Rich Lester

Partner

Rich is one of the most accomplished business executives in the veterinary industry over the last 20 years. Initially serving as President of BrightHeart Veterinary Centers, Rich subsequently founded Veterinary Practice Partners (VPP) in 2011 as the first veterinary group focused exclusively on co-ownership with local veterinarians, and grew VPP from a startup idea to more than 65 hospital partnerships. As he built VPP, he was in the operational details, understanding how to both drive revenue through marketing efforts and manage labor and product costs.

After stepping down from VPP as CEO in 2020, he continued to serve as an advisor until taking on the leadership role at Ackerman Group in 2021. As CEO of Ackerman Group, Rich brings his acquisitions and practice management experience to the benefit of practice owners selling to corporate groups. Rich’s extensive experience, including as an executive in the human healthcare services sector prior to entering the veterinary sector, provides him unique insight into the perspective of buyers and sellers, and knowing how to create value for sellers as they prepare for a potential sale.

Rich has an MBA from UCLA and an undergraduate degree in Finance and American History from the University of Pennsylvania. He’s married to his wife, Rachel, and they have three children. He loves to ski, golf, and spend time with his family.