Brad Smith | CEO
RSPCA Pet Insurance

Brad brings more than 25 years’ experience across insurance, financial services, and the not-for-profit sector. He joined RSPCA Queensland in 2022 as Chief Commercial Officer, where he led the organisation’s commercial engine, strengthening revenue streams, improving operational performance, and driving sustainable growth aligned to mission and community impact. He played a leading role in the redesign and national rollout of RSPCA pet insurance, reshaping partnership strategy and enhancing customer value. Brad held COO at Gallagher Bassett, where he oversaw national claims and operational performance, and Chief Sales Officer at Allianz Partners, leading large distribution, sales and partner functions across travel, health and assistance portfolios. With extensive experience across B2B and B2C markets, Brad is recognised for building high-performing teams, delivering customer-focused growth and driving innovation that creates long-term value for pet owners, partners and the broader community.

Appearances:

Day 2 @ 10:25

Fireside Chat: Is veterinary practice sustainable? The Future of the profession, financial pressures and what comes next

Veterinary medicine is one of the most rewarding professions, but also one of the most demanding.

Workforce shortages, burnout, compassion fatigue, rising client expectations and growing concerns around remuneration continue to challenge veterinary teams across Australia. At the same time, many veterinarians are navigating increasingly difficult conversations about affordability and treatment options, adding further pressure to an already stretched profession.

Join Dr Katrina Warren for a thought-provoking fireside chat featuring Dr Melissa Meehan (Director of Veterinary Services, RSPCA Victoria), Dr Liz Walker (CEO, RSPCA Victoria) and Brad Smith (CEO, RSPCA Pet Insurance).

Together, the panel will explore:

Why so many veterinarians are leaving the profession, and what can be done about it
The impact of remuneration, burnout and workforce pressures on career sustainability
How financial constraints affect patient care, treatment decisions and veterinary wellbeing
Practical spectrum of care conversation strategies
The role pet insurance may play in improving patient outcomes, supporting a sustainable veterinary career and reducing financial barriers to care
Fascinating claims trends, surprising real-life cases and what claims data can tell us about the future of pet healthcare
The role of community vet clinics (NDIS funded vet care taking pressure off mainstream vet clinics along with the support of growing pet insurance coverage.

This discussion will provide valuable insights for veterinarians, practice owners, managers and veterinary nurses looking to better understand the challenges facing the profession, and the opportunities to create a more sustainable future. Whether you're early in your career or have been in practice for decades, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Melissa Meehan, Director of Veterinary Services, RSPCA Victoria