Pets at Home Group appoints James Bailey as CEO

Core Viewpoint - Pets at Home Group Plc has appointed James Bailey as the new chief executive officer, effective from 30 March 2026, aiming to leverage his extensive retail experience to enhance the company's operations and growth prospects [2][5]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - James Bailey, previously managing director of Waitrose, has a strong track record in retail, having led the company through challenging periods and achieving significant sales and profit growth [3]. - Ian Burke was appointed as executive chair on 18 September 2025, and will transition back to non-executive chair upon Bailey's arrival, focusing on supporting him during the transition [4]. Group 2: Strategic Vision - The Board believes that Bailey's experience aligns well with the Group's ambitions for the future, particularly in improving the retail business and enhancing operational and commercial capabilities [5]. - Bailey expressed enthusiasm about joining Pets at Home, highlighting his admiration for the business and optimism for its future [5].