Brian Garish - Brand Innovators

Brian Garish

President, Banfield Pet Hospital

As president of the industry’s leading provider of preventive care, Brian’s top priority is creating a high-performing, inclusive culture for Banfield Pet Hospital’s 19,000+ associates at 1,000+ hospitals across the country. Since Brian became president in 2017, Banfield has achieved the lowest turnover in its history while simultaneously averaging double-digit year-over-year growth. Over Brian’s time with Banfield, the multi-billion organization has grown by over 50 percent.  

Brian believes that pets, people and society are all connected and is passionate about ensuring Banfield is  making a positive impact on the world. This philosophy is behind the launch of the company’s Student Debt  Relief Program, making Banfield one of only eight percent of organizations offering such a benefit. To date the  program has contributed nearly $15M to pay-off debt for veterinary professionals while helping to refinance  more than $16M in student loans. In addition, Banfield launched the first suicide prevention training designed  specifically for veterinary professionals as part of its holistic commitment to the health and wellbeing of all  Banfield associates. The training is also available for free to the entire veterinary profession.

Brian joined Banfield in 2015 as chief operating officer, bringing more than 20 years of healthcare leadership  to the organization. Prior to joining Banfield, Brian served as an area vice president at CVS Health where he  was responsible for more than 600 stores covering 17 states with 15,000+ associates.

Beginning his career stocking store shelves at Walgreens, Brian has never sat in a corner office or followed a  traditional trajectory. This unique path has pushed him to think differently, leading with empathy, impatience  and impact. Brian is committed to ensuring the voice of Banfield’s associates dictates the vision of the  organization. With 75% of Banfield’s workforce being Millennial or Gen Z, Brian connects directly with  associates on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to listen, engage and transform the organization.

Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Indiana University and is currently enrolled in Wharton’s  General Management Program for Senior Executives. He serves on the board of several nonprofits, including  Metropolitan Family Services, Columbia River Economic Development Council and the Banfield Foundation as  well as serving as Board Chair for Classic Wines Auction. He is also a member of the Fortune CEO Initiative and  CEO Connection. Brian has also completed the Burnham Rosen Interactive Leadership program, the EQ  Mentor program and the Leadership at the Peak program at the Center for Creative Leadership.  
Brian has been featured by BBC World News, USA Today, FOX News Radio, Forbes, Thrive Global, and more.  He resides in Camas, Washington with his Savannah cats, Ashin and Kenji. Brian enjoys reading, as well as  playing tennis and basketball.