Pipestone Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pipestone has 5 executives leading key functions including finance, overall strategy, and specialized management.

Driven by a commitment to supporting individual family farmers, Pipestone provides production-driven research, nutrition management, animal health, record keeping, and marketing services, solidifying its market impact through dedicated service.

Leadership Roles at Pipestone

  • Chief Financial Officer - Thomas Finke
  • President - Barry Kerkaert
  • Division President, Pipestone Management (China) - Joseph Yaros
  • President PVS and Owner - Hannah Walkes
  • President, Pipestone Partnerships - Sean Simpson
  • Thomas Finke - Chief Financial Officer

    Thomas Finke, the Chief Financial Officer at Pipestone, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Finke manages budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring the company's financial health supports its mission of aiding family farmers. Overseeing accounting and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer guarantees compliance and transparency. This leadership position involves analyzing financial data to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency within Pipestone's diverse service offerings, including research, nutrition, and marketing. Thomas Finke's expertise is critical in maintaining the financial stability required to sustain the company's long-standing support for agricultural producers. The Chief Financial Officer's role ensures that financial decisions directly align with the company's operational goals and market demands.

    Barry Kerkaert - President

    Barry Kerkaert, the President at Pipestone, sets the overarching strategic direction and operational vision for the company. Kerkaert guides the organization's expansion and service development, ensuring alignment with the core mission of supporting individual family farmers through advanced veterinary and management services. The President oversees all major business units, fostering a culture of innovation and client-focused solutions. This executive role involves significant engagement with stakeholders, driving the company's market position in research, nutrition management, and animal health. Barry Kerkaert's leadership ensures Pipestone continues its legacy of providing essential support to agricultural communities. The President's strategic oversight is fundamental to the company's sustained impact and growth.
    Barry Kerkaert

    Joseph Yaros - Division President, Pipestone Management (China)

    Joseph Yaros, the Division President, Pipestone Management (China) at Pipestone, spearheads the company's management operations within the Chinese market. Yaros directs the implementation of Pipestone's production-driven research, nutrition management, and animal health services tailored for the specific needs of Chinese agricultural producers. This leadership role involves navigating regional market dynamics and ensuring the effective delivery of record keeping and marketing support services. Overseeing the strategic growth and operational execution of Pipestone Management in China, Joseph Yaros ensures that the company's mission of supporting family farmers extends globally. The Division President's focus is on building robust operational frameworks and fostering strong client relationships within the Chinese agricultural sector.

    Hannah Walkes - President PVS and Owner

    Hannah Walkes, the President PVS and Owner at Pipestone, holds a dual leadership capacity, guiding Pipestone Veterinary Services and representing ownership interests. Walkes drives the strategic initiatives for PVS, focusing on enhancing animal health, nutrition management, and research services offered to family farmers. As Owner, Hannah Walkes ensures the company's long-term vision and financial sustainability are prioritized, aligning operational decisions with core values. This executive position involves overseeing the integration of record keeping and marketing services to provide comprehensive support. The President PVS and Owner's leadership is crucial for maintaining Pipestone's commitment to innovation and client success in the agricultural industry.

    Sean Simpson - President, Pipestone Partnerships

    Sean Simpson, the President, Pipestone Partnerships at Pipestone, leads the development and management of strategic alliances and collaborative ventures. Simpson focuses on expanding Pipestone's reach and service capabilities through key partnerships, enhancing the company's offerings in production-driven research, nutrition management, and animal health. This executive role involves identifying and cultivating relationships that strengthen Pipestone's market position and support for individual family farmers. Overseeing the strategic direction of Pipestone Partnerships, Sean Simpson ensures that collaborative efforts yield significant benefits for clients and the company. The President, Pipestone Partnerships' work is vital for fostering innovation and extending the impact of Pipestone's comprehensive agricultural support services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pipestone Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pipestone?
    Pipestone is led by Thomas Finke (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Barry Kerkaert (President) and Joseph Yaros (Division President, Pipestone Management (China)).
    Who is part of Pipestone’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pipestone includes leaders such as Thomas Finke (Chief Financial Officer), Barry Kerkaert (President), Joseph Yaros (Division President, Pipestone Management (China)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pipestone have?
    Pipestone has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pipestone’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pipestone includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Division President, Pipestone Management (China), President PVS and Owner, President, Pipestone Partnerships.