Wilmslow-based pet and vet retailer Pets at Home Group has announced a number of board changes, including the appointment of former Asda CEO Roger Burnley as a director.

“Pets at Home Group plc announces the appointment of Roger Burnley who will be appointed as an independent non-executive director with effect from 14 February 2023,” said Pets at Home.

“On his appointment to the board, Roger will be appointed as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, Remuneration Committee, Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee and the ESG Committee.

“Roger is an experienced retailer who spent ten years as an executive director of Sainsbury’s before joining Asda as its Chief Operating Officer in 2016, becoming its CEO in 2017. 

“He left Asda in August 2021 after four years as CEO …

“In 2022, Roger took on the position of non-executive chairman of Finnbrogue Artisan, an Irish food manufacturer.”

In further changes, Sharon Flood, current chair of the remuneration committee, and Stanislas Laurent, non-executive director, have each notified their intention to step down from the company’s board. 

“In May 2023, Stan and Sharon will have each served six years as independent non-executive directors and have signified their intention at an early stage in order to provide the company with sufficient notice to commence the search for their successors.”

Dennis Millard, who has served as the company’s senior independent director for nine years, will stand down from that position on February 14, 2023, having served nine years on the board. 

“The board has requested that Dennis remain appointed as a director of the company for a further year,” added the company.

“Though he will no longer be considered independent in accordance with the Corporate Governance Code, his experience and retail industry knowledge remain valuable to the company.”

Pets at Home said Zarin Patel will be appointed as senior independent director with effect from February 14, 2023.

“Zarin has been a non-executive director of the company since 14 April 2021. 

“She is the chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and a member of the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee, the ESG Committee and the Remuneration Committee.

“The company will continue its search for a second non-executive director and a further update will be provided in due course.”

Pets at Home chairman Ian Burke said: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Roger Burnley to Pets at Home Group plc. 

“Roger has deep knowledge of the retail sector and food supply chains and his experience will be of great value to Pets at Home as it embarks on the next stage of its ambitious strategic plan. 

“The directors and I look forward to working with Roger next year.”