PetExpert founders hand daily leadership to Trupanion team after eight years of growth

PetExpert by Trupanion is moving into a new phase as cofounders Derek Cummins and Jan Moravec step back from day-to-day leadership at the end of 2026. The transition is meant to preserve continuity for veterinarians and pet owners across the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where PetExpert says it now works with about 85% of veterinary practices.

Why it matters: - PetExpert’s leadership handoff could shape how pet insurance is delivered in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. - The transition is designed to keep direct veterinary payments, digital claims handling and existing partner relationships in place. - Pet owners and veterinarians should see continuity rather than a major operational change.

What happened: - PetExpert by Trupanion said cofounders Derek Cummins and Jan Moravec will step away from daily management at the end of 2026. - Trupanion’s international team will take over leadership responsibilities. - The handoff follows eight years of building PetExpert’s pet insurance model in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. - PetExpert launched in 2018. - PetExpert became part of Trupanion in 2022.

The details: - PetExpert’s model uses digital direct payment to veterinarians for covered care. - The system reduces administrative work and lets clinics receive payment directly for covered treatment. - PetExpert says it now works with roughly 85% of veterinary practices in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. - PetExpert and Trupanion share a focus on veterinarian partnerships, direct payments and easier access to care. - Cummins said he wanted PetExpert to change traditional pet insurance and create something better for veterinarians and pet owners. - Moravec said the goal was to use technology to make pet insurance simpler and avoid requiring owners to pay the full bill upfront. - Trupanion CEO Margi Tooth said the founders built strong relationships with veterinary teams and made direct payments central to PetExpert’s service.

Between the lines: - The handoff suggests Trupanion wants to preserve a local brand and operating model that already has broad veterinary adoption. - Keeping the founders linked to selected community and charitable activities may help maintain goodwill during the transition. - The move also shows Trupanion is betting on continuity in a market where trust with veterinarians is central to the product.

What's next: - Trupanion’s international team will work with the local PetExpert team to manage the transition. - The company says it will preserve existing relationships and ensure a smooth shift for clients and veterinary partners. - Cummins and Moravec will remain connected to PetExpert through selected community and charitable initiatives.

The bottom line: - PetExpert is changing leadership, not direction, as it passes daily control to Trupanion while keeping its direct-pay veterinary model intact.