Jeff Simmons serves as President and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, an independent animal health leader with the ability to reach the world’s animals – specifically 19 species in nearly 100 countries. The Elanco team has established a unique innovation engine grounded in a higher purpose: Food and Companionship Enriching Life.

Elanco’s Pet Health business is innovating effective products and therapeutic solutions for veterinarians helping pets live longer, healthier, more active lives. Elanco’s Farm Animal business focuses on helping farmers and veterinarians raise healthy livestock to make food safer. Elanco is also a pioneer within livestock sustainability and is developing and delivering a portfolio of new products and solutions designed to make a tangible, positive impact on reducing climate warming.

With 30 years of industry and life sciences experience, Jeff has spent the past 15 years as head of Elanco. Through his purpose-driven leadership, in 2018, Jeff navigated the company’s separation from Eli Lilly and Company, culminating with Elanco’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange as an independent, public company. Then in 2020, Jeff guided the acquisition of Bayer Animal Health, deepening Elanco’s Pet Health business and bringing an equal balance between pets and livestock. Today, Elanco is an independent, fully integrated animal health market leader, committed to delivering value across our diverse portfolio of products and solutions.

As an advocate for animal health, Jeff is active with HealthforAnimals (H4A), Animal Health Institute (AHI) and AgriNovus. His board roles reflect his passions for the human-animal bond with IU Health; food security with HATCH for Hunger™; and enabling leaders to thrive with Edge Mentoring. Jeff has also held several leadership positions, including serving as a Board Member for IU Health and as a former Board Member and Chairman of the Compensation Committee for Chiquita Brands. He has completed terms as President of the Health for Animals, Chairman of the FFA Foundation Board and as a Board Member of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. He received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University where he studied agricultural economics, business administration and management.

Join the dialogue on food security, the human-animal bond and leadership, follow Jeff on Twitter or Instagram @JeffSimmons2050 and connect with him on LinkedIn.