UK's Pets at Home recruits former Waitrose executive as CEO to lead turnaround (updated)
23/12/2025 07:29
Bailey to start as CEO on March 30, 2026 Appointment follows former CEO's abrupt departure in September Adds detail and background throughout Dec 23 (Reuters) - Pets at Home PETSP.L on Tuesday named former Sainsbury's SBRY.L and Waitrose executive James Bailey as its next CEO, to lead the turnaround of the pet-care provider's retail business. Bailey was most recently managing director at Waitrose for more than five years, and helped re-launch Waitrose.com after the supermarket chain ended its online grocery partnership with Ocado OCDO.L. Prior to that, he held senior roles at Sainsbury's for more than two decades. Bailey's appointment to Pets at Home, effective March 30, 2026, comes after former CEO Lyssa McGowan abruptly left in September following two profit warnings in as many months. In response, the company, which also offers grooming and veterinary services, last month presented a plan to address shortcomings in its pet food and accessories business by improving product ranges and cutting costs. "The board believes James' experience aligns well with the group's ambitions for the coming years," Chair Ian Burke said in a statement. "His strong retail leadership skills will support the ongoing focus on improving Pets at Home's retail business, with significant operational and commercial experience leading both stores and online operations." (Reporting by Nithyashree R B in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich and Tomasz Janowski) ((NithyashreeRB@thomsonreuters.com;))