Speaker bio page for Dr Ian Battersby

Ian was appointed Global Responsible Pharmaceutical Stewardship Lead for Mars Veterinary Health, in June 2022.

In this newly created role, Ian supports Mars Veterinary Health clinics and hospitals around the globe in practicing responsible pharmaceutical usage through campaigns, interventions, strategies, and performance tracking that advance our One Health priorities, in partnership with the Mars Veterinary Health Sustainability team, our business-wide Antimicrobial Resistance working group, and Mars Veterinary Health Quality and Patient Safety team.

Ian has a 20+ year history practicing veterinary medicine, previously serving as Head of Medicine at Linnaeus-owned Davies Veterinary Specialists in the U.K. In 2012, he conceptualised and led the development of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) ‘PROTECT Antibiotics’ Scheme. During his time at Davies, Ian served as the antimicrobial resistance subject-matter expert for Linnaeus.

Ian is currently the Chairman of Mission Rabies and a member of the DEFRA Core Rabies group, as well as a member of the specialist's advisory council for the charity Street Vet.

In 2019, Ian was awarded a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) fellowship for meritorious contributions to clinical practice, particularly his work in antibiotic stewardship.

Ian, his wife, two children, and two pets, a cat and dog, are based outside of London. He enjoys getting outdoors, particularly on two self-propelled wheels, both on the roads and in the woods.