Previously held position of director of swine nutrition and technical services at Cargill Animal Nutrition.

January 19, 2023

2 Min Read
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United Animal Health

Matt Ritter, Ph.D. has accepted a position with United Animal Health as senior vice president of research and development, where he will serve on United's dynamic executive leadership team. Well-known within the swine industry and in food animal research and development, Ritter is leaving Cargill Animal Nutrition where he has held the position of director, swine nutrition and technical services since 2018. Prior to that, he has held various leadership roles in research and development with Elanco Animal Health from 2006 to 2018.

Ritter will officially start at United Animal Health on Jan. 23.

"We are committed to research and the science behind it and are always searching for the highest quality people in animal agriculture to join our team," said Doug Webel, Ph.D., president and CEO of United Animal Health. "Matt has a lot of experience and is an expert in the field. We could not be more excited that he has agreed to lead our team. I am confident that Matt is prepared to lead us into the future, building on our strengths while challenging us to grow."

Prior to joining Cargill Animal Nutrition, Ritter was director of food animal research at Elanco Animal Health. He previously served at Elanco as director of swine product development, advisor of global swine informatics and swine technical consultant. At Cargill, Ritter led a team of eight swine nutritionists within the North American Pork Team. 

Ritter received his undergraduate degree from the Michigan State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois (Urbana) where his advisor was Dr. Mike Ellis. Ritter has numerous recognitions and awards from the animal agriculture industry. He is a routine speaker at conferences and podcasts with over 40 peer reviewed manuscripts to his credit. He serves the industry in various capacities with trade organization committees, task forces and boards. 

"United Animal Health has a strong tradition of great people, products, and services," said Ritter. "This role allows me to build upon my R&D and technical service experiences in animal health and nutrition, while providing me with opportunities to continue to grow and develop as a leader. I'm excited and grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with an excellent R&D team already in place at United."

Ritter and his wife (Megan) have two sons and a daughter and currently live in Fortville, Indiana. He will office out of the United Animal Health’s R&D Headquarters in Sheridan, Indiana. 

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