At Swine Web, we sat down with Yolande Panaccio, a seasoned leader in animal health, to explore her new role at Vaxxinova and the journey that brought her here. In this Fast Five interview, Yolande shares insights from her experience at global companies like Elanco, Boehringer, Hipra, and Vetoquinol—and how those lessons are shaping her mission to build Vaxxinova’s presence in Canada with a focus on innovation, customization, and trust.
Question by Jim Eadie at Swine Web:
1. You’ve stepped into a leadership role at Vaxxinova—what drew you to this opportunity?
Answer by Yolande:
After years with global leaders like Elanco, Boehringer, Hipra, and Vetoquinol, I was ready to align my passion for livestock health with something deeply entrepreneurial. Vaxxinova offered the chance to build a Canadian presence focused on custom and commercial vaccines while staying grounded in what really matters: producing healthy animal and safe food.
Question by Jim Eadie at Swine Web:2. Your career spans some of the most respected names in animal health. How has that shaped your approach to leadership and innovation?
Answer by Yolande:
Each organization taught me something different: Elanco gave me a strategic foundation, Boehringer and Hipra expanded my technical and field expertise, and Vetoquinol sharpened my ability to connect authentically with teams and clients. Together, they shaped my belief that real impact comes from listening, adapting, and delivering with integrity.
Question by Jim Eadie at Swine Web:
3. Customization is a key part of Vaxxinova’s strategy. Why is that so important in today’s swine industry?
Answer by Yolande:
Because no two barns are the same. Custom autogenous vaccines allow us to be nimble and specifically respond to what’s happening on the ground, not just following a label. It’s where diagnostics and production realities meet science, and the results speak for themselves in terms of health and performance.
Question by Jim Eadie at Swine Web:
4. What excites you most about building Vaxxinova’s presence in Canada?
Answer by Yolande:
It’s rare to join a company where innovation, flexibility, and customer focus all align. We’re creating something meaningful: a team that’s not just selling solutions but truly solving problems. I’m especially excited to collaborate with Canadian swine professionals who are open to new ways of thinking.
Question by Jim Eadie at Swine Web:
5. What’s your personal mission as you take on this mandate?
Answer by Yolande:
To lead with empathy, passion and execution. My goal is to build trust, foster relationships, and ensure that every product and program we offer is aligned with profitable outcomes for producers, veterinarians and Vaxxivova. I want to become a trusted partner for our customers.
About Vaxxinova
Vaxxinova is a global animal health company specializing in diagnostics and both commercial and custom (autogenous) vaccines. With a growing presence in Canada, the company is focused on helping producers and veterinarians protect animal health through innovation, flexibility, and tailored solutions.
📧 Contact Yolande Panaccio
yolande.panaccio@vaxxinova.ca
