Pets at Home appoints new CEO

Core Viewpoint - Pets at Home Group has appointed James Bailey as Chief Executive Officer, effective from March 30, 2026, highlighting the company's strategic leadership transition [1]. Group 1: Leadership Background - James Bailey previously served as managing director of Waitrose for over five years, where he achieved strong sales and profit growth during challenging periods, including the Covid pandemic and high inflation [2]. - Before his role at Waitrose, Bailey held various senior positions at J Sainsbury plc for 20 years, including grocery buying director [2]. Group 2: Company Sentiment - James Bailey expressed enthusiasm about joining Pets at Home, indicating admiration for the business and confidence in its future [4]. - Ian Burke, chair of Pets at Home, conveyed the Board's satisfaction with Bailey's appointment, emphasizing the alignment of his experience with the Group's ambitions [5]. Group 3: Strategic Focus - The Board believes that Bailey's strong retail leadership skills will enhance Pets at Home's ongoing focus on improving its retail business, leveraging his operational and commercial experience in both stores and online operations [5].