Open report — full analysis, no account required.
Sign up to generate reports and read filings that aren't on the open list.
Get notified when ZTS files again. Create a free account and we'll email you the moment its next filing is analyzed.
Get filing alertsZoetis appoints James Saccaro as CFO and COO in newly created combined role
Filed August 6, 2026 · Period ending August 6, 2026 · ~2 min read
Key Changes
-
high
James Saccaro appointed Executive VP, CFO and COO effective August 17, 2026, in newly created role combining finance leadership with oversight of Global Manufacturing and Supply operations.
Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Compensation verify on EDGAR → -
high
Saccaro brings 12 years of CFO experience from GE HealthCare (2023-2026) and Baxter International (2015-2023); will lead capital allocation, financial strategy, and investor engagement.
Exhibit 99.1 view on EDGAR → -
high
Outgoing CFO Wetteny Joseph transitions to advisory role through February 2027 to support handoff; departure not due to any disagreement with company on operations or accounting.
Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Compensation verify on EDGAR → -
medium
Saccaro's compensation includes $1 million base salary, $5 million annual long-term incentive target, and one-time make-whole awards of $6.25 million in RSUs (vesting over three years) and $1.25 million cash.
Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Compensation verify on EDGAR → -
medium
Combined CFO/COO role designed to strengthen operational execution and supply chain performance as Zoetis prepares for next wave of innovation-driven growth.
Exhibit 99.1 view on EDGAR →
Summary
Zoetis announced a senior leadership transition, appointing James Saccaro as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer effective August 17, 2026. The newly created combined role reflects Zoetis' strategic intent to tighten the link between financial discipline and operational execution.
Saccaro will lead the global finance function—capital allocation, financial strategy, reporting, and investor relations—while also overseeing Global Manufacturing and Supply operations. He joins from GE HealthCare, where he served as VP and CFO since 2023, and brings over two decades of healthcare finance experience including eight years as Executive VP and CFO at Baxter International.
Outgoing CFO Wetteny Joseph will transition to a special advisor role through February 2027 to facilitate the handoff. The filing confirms his departure was not due to any disagreement with the company on operations, policies, or accounting matters. Joseph joined Zoetis five years ago and guided the company through a period of significant investment and growth. His continued involvement through early 2027 should support continuity during the transition. For investors, the appointment signals Zoetis' focus on operational rigor as it prepares for its next growth phase. CEO Kristin Peck emphasized Saccaro's track record of balancing R&D investment with operational efficiency—a capability the company views as critical for sharpening its competitive edge and driving supply chain performance. The combined CFO/COO structure is unusual but reflects management's priority on integrating financial and operational decision-making. Saccaro's compensation package, including $6.25 million in make-whole equity and a $5 million annual long-term incentive target, is competitive for a senior healthcare executive role of this scope.
Section-by-Section Diff
Event · Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Compensation
Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Compensation filed; see Key Changes for terms.
Added in current filing · verify on EDGAR →
The Offer Letter provides for (a) an annual base salary of $1,000,000, (b) an annual target incentive opportunity under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan of 100% of his base salary, with his bonus for 2026 to be paid at target and pro-rated for the length of service with the Company in 2026, (c) an annual target long-term incentive opportunity of $5,000,000 (which would currently comprise performance stock units (50%), restricted stock units (25%), and stock options (25%)), (d) eligibility to participate in the Company’s Executive Severance Plan and (e) eligibility to receive relocation assistance and to participate in the Company’s benefits plans and programs as applicable to other similarly situated senior executives. Mr. Saccaro will also receive a one-time make-whole award of restricted stock units with a grant date value of $6,250,000, which will vest ratably in thirds on the first three anniversaries of the grant date, and a one-time make-whole cash award of $1,250,000, which will be subject to repayment to the Company in the event Mr. Saccaro’s employment is terminated under certain circumstances within the first year of employment.
Saccaro's compensation includes $1 million base salary, 100% target annual bonus (guaranteed at target for 2026 pro-rated), and $5 million annual long-term incentive target (50% performance stock units, 25% restricted stock units, 25% stock options). He receives a one-time make-whole RSU award worth $6.25 million vesting over three years and a $1.25 million cash award subject to repayment if he leaves within the first year under certain circumstances.
Added in current filing · verify on EDGAR →
Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, after August 16, 2026, or such later date as may be determined by the Company (the “Transition Date”), Mr. Joseph will transition from his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to remain employed by the Company as a non-executive officer of the Company through the earlier of February 28, 2027 and a mutually agreed termination date (the “Termination Date”). Following the Transition Date and until the Termination Date, Mr. Joseph has agreed to assist in the proper transition of his duties and responsibilities and provide advisory services to the Company.
Wetteny Joseph will transition from his CFO role after August 16, 2026, remaining as a non-executive officer in an advisory capacity through February 28, 2027 or an earlier mutually agreed date. During this period he will assist with transition duties. His departure was not due to any disagreement with the Company on operations, policies, practices, accounting principles, financial statement disclosure, or internal controls.
Added in current filing · verify on EDGAR →
Until the Termination Date, Mr. Joseph will continue to receive his current rate of annual base salary, participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans and continue to vest in his outstanding equity awards. For calendar year 2026, he will be eligible to receive an annual incentive award based on his annual incentive target currently in effect and subject to Company performance-based funding. Upon his termination of employment on the Termination Date, Mr. Joseph will be eligible for separation benefits pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Company’s Executive Severance Plan and he will be entitled to benefits thereunder in accordance with the terms and conditions of the plan. His outstanding equity awards will be treated as though his termination of employment occurred pursuant to a “Restructuring Event” under the terms of the applicable award agreements.
Joseph will continue receiving his current base salary and benefits through his termination date, with continued equity vesting and eligibility for his 2026 annual bonus based on company performance. Upon termination, he will receive separation benefits under the Executive Severance Plan, and his equity awards will be treated as a "Restructuring Event" under the award agreements, which typically provides favorable vesting treatment.
Event · Exhibit 99.1
Zoetis appoints Jay Saccaro as CFO and COO effective August 17, 2026; outgoing CFO Wetteny Joseph to serve as special advisor until early 2027.
Added in current filing · view on EDGAR →
Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS) today announced the appointment of James (Jay) Saccaro as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, effective August 17, 2026. In this newly created role, Mr. Saccaro will lead Zoetis’ global finance function, shaping capital allocation, financial strategy, reporting and controls, and investor engagement and oversee Global Manufacturing and Supply to drive operational execution and performance.
Zoetis appointed Jay Saccaro to a newly created combined CFO and COO role effective August 17, 2026. Saccaro will lead global finance (capital allocation, financial strategy, reporting, controls, investor engagement) and oversee Global Manufacturing and Supply operations. He joins from GE HealthCare where he served as VP and CFO since 2023, and previously spent over two decades at Baxter International including eight years as Executive VP and CFO.
Added in current filing · view on EDGAR →
With Mr. Saccaro’s appointment, Wetteny Joseph will transition to an advisory role effective August 17, 2026. Mr. Joseph has agreed to remain with the company as a Special Advisor to the CEO on financial matters until early 2027 to facilitate a smooth transition.
Wetteny Joseph, the current CFO, will transition to a special advisor role on August 17, 2026, and remain with Zoetis until early 2027 to support the transition. Joseph joined Zoetis five years ago and helped guide the company through a period of significant investment, change, and growth.
Added in current filing · view on EDGAR →
Jay brings a unique combination of skills to this newly created leadership position. He is a seasoned finance executive with 12 years of CFO experience at some of the world’s leading healthcare companies and has proven expertise in successfully developing and executing company-wide strategic initiatives. Jay’s track record of designing financial frameworks that balance R&D investment with operational rigor and efficiency will be a significant asset as we sharpen our competitive edge and invest in our future growth platforms. In this expanded role, Jay will also continue to strengthen our global manufacturing and supply operations, enhancing supply chain and distribution performance, and driving greater operational excellence and agility.
CEO Kristin Peck stated the combined CFO/COO role leverages Saccaro's 12 years of CFO experience and expertise in balancing R&D investment with operational efficiency. The expanded role is designed to strengthen manufacturing and supply operations, enhance supply chain performance, and drive operational excellence as Zoetis prepares for its next wave of innovation-driven growth.
Thanks — your feedback helps us improve report quality.
Figures/quotes linked to EDGAR · Narrative written by AI · Aug 7, 2026 · How we verify