Meet the Experts

We have a wealth of experience at Protexin Veterinary and our technical team of vets are on hand to answer your questions! Take a look to discover more!

Liam Gamble, Commercial Director – Pet and Animal Wellbeing (PAW)

Liam graduated from Cambridge University in 2011, before working in a mixed practice in North Yorkshire where he concentrated on equine medicine and surgery. His keen interest in the microbiome led to him joining Protexin in 2016 as the Veterinary International Business Manager after which he spent some time as Veterinary Director. Liam is now the Commercial Director covering the veterinary business; working with our teams in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and our business partners in over 40 countries.

Having spent years owning, competing and working with horses he also supports the equine team and is keen to advance veterinary and owner education in the fields of equine nutrition and probiotics. When not working Liam is most likely walking his dog Tilly somewhere in Yorkshire.

Sophie Nixon, Veterinary Research Manager

After graduating from the University of Liverpool, Sophie worked in a mixed practice in North Yorkshire as a ‘James Herriot’-style vet. Having always been interested in research, Sophie left clinical practice to complete a PhD at the University of Oxford where she studied brain development in humans and animals.

After finishing her PhD Sophie joined ADM Protexin as the Veterinary Research Manager, where her role is to arrange and coordinate research projects that range from product development through to clinical studies. Sophie lives in the Cotswolds with two dogs, Dougie and Rosie, and spends most of her free time renovating her cottage!

Gemma Ives, Veterinary Product Manager

Gemma qualified from the University of Cambridge in 2013. After a couple of months volunteering at a veterinary charity in the Cook Islands, she spent several years working in small animal general practice in Essex and Hampshire. Gemma is passionate about evidence based medicine and is particularly interested in the role that the microbiota can play in so many diseases.

In her free time Gemma loves climbing hills and finding beaches with her terrier, Percy, and hanging out with George the cat (and her husband Ed!). She is a keen cyclist, this year taking on the challenge of cycling the length of the United Kingdom to raise money for VetLife. She also enjoys baking, and was even mad enough to make her own wedding cake.

Gemma Ives holding a black puppy on the beach side

Lucy Williams, Veterinary Technical Advisor

After graduating from Liverpool University, Lucy spent over 5 years working as a small animal general practice vet in and around London both in permanent and locum positions. Lucy has a keen interest in the science behind nutraceuticals and the microbiome - in particular the gut-brain axis and the role it can play in veterinary medicine.

Outside of work, Lucy enjoys travelling, going to the theatre, reading and getting out to the countryside with friends and family. She has 2 cats called Dusty and Forrest and their double act always keeps her entertained.

Lucy Williams holding an adorable brown kitten

Ronan Fitzgerald, Veterinary Technical Advisor

After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College, Ronan worked for nine years in small animal and mixed practices before joining a veterinary pharmaceutical company. Having recently joined Protexin, he has become interested in the importance of the gut microbiota, its impact on health and well-being, and the benefits that pro-, pre- and postbiotics can deliver.

In his free time, Ronan enjoys reading and going to the theatre and concerts, the last of which has done his hearing no favours. He spends time in the garden although to call it gardening is an affront to the meaning of the word.

James Henderson, International Business Manager

After graduating from Cambridge University James went straight into general practice as a small animal vet. James always had a keen interest in nutrition and its role in the treatment of disease, so was thrilled when the opportunity arose to join Protexin.

James manages the international team at Protexin Veterinary; working with our partners in over 40 countries. In his free time he enjoys playing rugby, travelling, and reading.

Rupert Dyhouse, International Technical Manager

Rupert graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2016. After 2 years of mixed practice in mid-Wales, he went on to work and travel as a vet around the mountains and beaches of New Zealand. On returning to the UK he worked with small animals again before then getting back outside as a large animal vet in Warwickshire for 3 years, seeing everything from horses to goats and alpacas (and even the odd tiger).

After drinking fermented mare’s milk with the nomadic shepherds of the Kyrgyzstan steppe he has developed a keen interest in the use of probiotics for both gastrointestinal health and overall immune support.

Rupert lives in Warwickshire and enjoys anything in the outdoors, especially if there is a good dinner at the end of it!

Jill McMaster, Business Development Manager

Jill graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2010, starting her first role as a vet in mixed practice in Elgin, before moving to Glasgow to work in small animal practice. After 9 years in practice, Jill completed her MBA at Glasgow University and before joining the Protexin team in 2023, spent several years working in the pet tech sector. Jill has always been interested in the benefits a healthy microbiome can have on whole body health, and how it can improve outcomes in our animals.

In her free time Jill enjoys playing and coaching hockey, and going on adventures with her cocker spaniel Harry.

Benjamin Sofaer, Sales and Technical Manager - ANZ

Benji graduated from The University of Sydney as a bachelor of veterinary science in 2016. Following this, he worked in pet sales for some time before completing an MBA. Due to his keen interest in nutraceuticals and research, Benji joined ADM Protexin in 2019 when the first product launched in Australia. Benji is now the Sales and Technical Manager covering a team across Australia and New Zealand.

As a sports fanatic, you’ll find Benji working on his golf game, playing tennis or watching sports in his free time. He has a border Collie, Panda who tires him out at the end of the day due to his ongoing need for affection.

James Kyffin, Commercial Director - Pet Nutrition EMEA. Business Development Director - Pet and Animal Wellbeing EMEA.

James graduated with honours from the University of Bristol as a bachelor of veterinary science in 2005. He spent four and a half years working as a veterinary surgeon in first opinion small animal practice before joining ADM Protexin in 2009. James has worked as the International Veterinary Manager, Veterinary Technical Manager and Veterinary Director before assuming the role of Commercial Director in March 2020, overseeing the Pet and Animal Wellbeing (PAW) business globally and ADM’s pet food business in EMEA. James is passionate about all aspects of small animal internal medicine but has a particular interest in gastrointestinal disease, urinary health and feline geriatric medicine.

Outside of work, James enjoys a variety of sporting activities including running, cycling, football and CrossFit. He has a black cat called Hugo who was rescued at the age of three – Hugo has a strong personality but has found the perfect home with James and his partner, Sheila (who is also a vet!)