Abhay Nayak
Abhay Nayak is President of Global Diagnostics for Zoetis, the world leader in Animal Health and a Fortune 500 company. In this role, he leads a global organization focused on bringing diagnostic tools, insights and innovations to veterinary customers, pet owners and producers who care for animals. His areas of responsibility in this high-growth area for Zoetis include product management, commercial development, customer service, reference labs and U.S. sales and marketing teams.
Mr. Nayak joined Zoetis in 2018 and previously served as Executive Vice President, Head of Strategy, Accelerated Growth Businesses and Commercial Development. During his career at Zoetis, he has shaped the company’s global strategy and commercial development organizations; led, aligned and integrated various businesses focused on diagnostics, genetics, precision animal health, nutritional products and scientific wellness; and overseen the company’s customer experience, sustainability and chief medical officer programs.
Prior to joining Zoetis, Mr. Nayak was a consultant at McKinsey & Company where he advised leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies on crafting and executing global growth strategies. He started his career as an investment banker at Barclays in London, where he advised private equity clients on M&A, restructuring, and financing transactions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Mr. Nayak earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Wharton School. He is also a CFA Charter holder.
Birthe Steenberg
Since 2017, Birthe Steenberg has been Secretary General of AVEC, The Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU countries. The 19 members of AVEC are national organisations for the production of poultry meat in 17 different European countries.
Birthe Steenberg leads the strategic direction of the association together with her team, board and the President of AVEC. Birthe’s team is based in the heart of Brussels, Belgium, close to policy makers and other stakeholders where Birthe is building the bridge between the poultry sector, policy and future legislation. Birthe has a broad and extensive international network that she actively uses in order to increase the visibility of the poultry sector in Europe and beyond.
Birthe Steenberg has strong knowledge and expertise in the food and agriculture sector and has more than 20 years of experience in European public affairs, interest representation and strategic management.
Previously, Birthe worked as Chief Consultant in The Danish Agriculture & Food Council in Copenhagen, Denmark. From 2012 to 2017, Birthe was the Manager of the Danish Poultry Meat Federation.
Birthe has a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Copenhagen, and she is a member of The Executive Committee of the International Poultry Council as well as a series of committees including the European Commission Animal Welfare Platform, European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response mechanism, Advisory Group - Food Chain and Animal and Plant Health and Civil Dialog Group on Animal Products - Poultry meat and Eggs.
Birthe’s motto is action creates change.
