Meet The Team

What did you do before working at CDS?
I’ve been Managing Director at Companion Consultancy, which is the sister company to Companion Design Studio for 21 years and a vet in practice for 8 years.

What is your favourite aspect of your job?
I love working with our designers to conceptualise an infographic that explains a veterinary concept.

What does a day in your life at CDS look like?
Busy and usually interspersed with remarks like ‘that’s the wrong cow’, ‘can we show a happier hamster’ and ‘not another a Jack Russell’.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have a huge houseplant collection and I also love interior décor.

Do you have any pets?
At the moment just 4 dogs but at various times a tortoise, fish, a horse, cats, 18 sheep, 54 chickens, 8 turkeys and 23 guinea pigs. I’ve also had an aviary of mixed cage birds and once ended up with 7 stray budgies. I’m both obsessed with animals and a bit of a sucker for a sad ‘no one wants them’ story.

Susan McKay, BVM & S, MRCVS, MBA

Director
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Jenny Silventoinen

Senior Designer

What did you do before working at CDS?
With almost three decades of experience in graphic design, I’ve worked across diverse sectors, including seven years at the Royal Society of Chemistry as well as various independent design studios and more recently for a design agency specialising in travel.

What is your favourite aspect of your job?
I’ve always loved experimenting with different fonts and colours to create something new and unique. I also have a passion for designing magazine layouts that catch the reader’s eye. I feel very fortunate to be working in the vet and pet industry as a creative professional, as it combines my passion for animals and design. 

What does a day in your life at CDS look like?
Working at CDS brings new surprises and challenges every day. Each project, whether it’s designing a simple logo or a large-scale campaign, offers a chance to showcase my creativity. It’s a fast-paced environment that requires a keen eye for detail and a willingness to constantly learn and adapt. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?
As a busy working mum, I really value time-out. You can often catch me in a zen-like state, practicing yoga in my living room. I’m also known to lace up my trainers and hit the Cambridgeshire Fens, channelling my inner gazelle.

Do you have any pets?
I’m proud servant to 3 feline masters: Monty and Wilkie, the Persian duo and Elsie, the regal British Shorthair.

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What did you do before working at CDS?
I studied equine science, then worked in commercial roles in a variety of industries before finding my niche and spending the last 18 years in veterinary media.

What is your favourite aspect of your job?
Building fabulous long term relationships with clients and helping them successfully develop their business.

What does a day in your life at CDS look like?
It’s very varied – I could be meeting clients; working with our designers to ensure projects will achieve commercial aims; organising media campaigns; bringing partnerships to fruition and attending industry events.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to get out on the twisties on my motorbike, play up a storm on the piano, and take a contemplative swim in the river, revelling in nature.

Do you have any pets?
I have two cats: Franko, who enjoys helping in the kitchen; and Luna, who shares my love of nature, though in a quite different way!

Jenny Langridge

Account Manager
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Grace Chestney

Junior Designer

What did you do before working at CDS?
Before working at CDS I developed skills in creative media through completing my Level 3 Diploma in Film and Media, completing the IOP professional diploma in photography and becoming a part time football photographer.

What is your favourite aspect of your job?
I always said my dream job would either be doing something creative or working with animals, and at CDS I get to do both!

What does a day in your life at CDS look like?
A day in my life at CDS can range from snapping pictures, designing engaging social media posts or immersing myself in the world of creative video content.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time you can find me out and about on my horse, capturing memorable moments down at the football field or spending quality time with friends and family.

Do you have any pets?
Yes! I have a horse called Beau, two dogs called Lucky and Lily and three guinea pigs called Gizmo, Henry and Bear.

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