BSAVA announces new President for 2025-26

19 June 2025

At the BSAVA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) today (19^th June), David Godfrey moved into his role as BSAVA President for 2025-26.

Taking over the Presidency from Julian Hoad, David will continue to focus on the Programme of Change and the BSAVA’s new strategy, which includes some new products and services.

David qualified from the RVC in 1988 and has had a career largely in small animal practice, including a year in Canada. He and his wife Rosie started the first feline-only practice in England and now David is an Advanced Practitioner in small animal dermatology. He has postgraduate qualifications in small animal dermatology and medicine, becoming board certified in feline practice, and has an RCVS Fellowship on Feline Osteoarthritis.

David helped to set up the BSAVA West Midlands committee, before then becoming a BSAVA Council member and Chair of the Regions for three years before joining the Board and the presidential ladder.

Speaking at the BSAVA’s AGM, David said: “The whole of the veterinary profession is lucky to have the strength of the BSAVA. BSAVA has a robust team, and I greatly look forward to working with them… It is an honour being BSAVA President for 2025-2026, but this next year will not be about me. It will be about the renewal of BSAVA, it will hear us shouting out with an ever-increasing voice about the most exciting innovations and I promise to do my very best.”

Julian Hoad will now move into the role of Senior Vice President, whilst Niall Connell begins his new role as Junior Vice President alongside Jo Megarity, who joins the Board as Honorary Treasurer.

Julian concluded his speech at today’s AGM by saying: “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as President over the past year. I am proud to call myself a member of the BSAVA. It’s an association that diligently serves and supports so many of our wonderful profession.”