Wilmslow-based pet and vet retailer Pets at Home Group — where CEO Lyssa McGowan left the business with immediate effect on September 18 and Ian Burke assumed the role of executive chair — has announced another big boardroom change.

Pets at Home Group said on Monday chief financial officer Mike Iddo “advised the board of his intention to retire from his role with the company following nine years of leadership during what has been a period of growth, maturity and expansion for the business.”

Iddo will remain in his role until Spring 2026, to ensure an orderly transition. Sarah Pollard, currently CFO at Manchester firm PZ Cussons, will join Pets at Home.

 

Pets at Home said: “As part of the company’s succession planning process and following a comprehensive search that began some months ago, the board of the company is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Pollard as chief financial officer and executive director.

“The company will announce the precise date of Sarah’s appointment in due course.

“Sarah joins the company with extensive consumer experience, most recently as Chief Financial Officer at PZ Cussons Plc since 2021 and prior to that, as Finance Director at Birds Eye and subsequently Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Nomad Foods, listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 2015.

“She has also held finance leadership roles at Unilever Plc, Tesco Plc, Pepsico Inc and Diageo Plc.”

Executive chair Burke said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Mike for the contribution he has made since joining the business in 2016.

“During his tenure, consumer revenues have more than doubled to £2.0bn and we have returned over £500m to shareholders, with Mike leading the business with calmness and a relentless focus on high standards. Mike will leave next year with our best wishes for a happy and well-deserved retirement.

“I am delighted to welcome Sarah to Pets and she brings with her extensive experience gained in highly competitive consumer sectors.

“The board and I look forward to working alongside her, to deliver value for all our stakeholders – customers, colleagues and shareholders – as we continue to deliver our well-established omnichannel, consumer centric strategy.” 

Iddo said: “It has been a privilege to serve at Pets at Home over the past 9 years, during which time the business has gone through profound transformation and growth while always keeping pet owners, our colleagues and our investors at its heart.

“I will retire leaving the business with a well invested platform, a sector leading vet business and a robust balance sheet that sets it up well for the future. Pets at Home is a truly purpose led business, and I wish the Board and team every success in the future.”

Pollard said: “I am thrilled to be joining Ian and the team at Pets. It is a truly purpose-led business, operating in a robust sector, with a market-leading position from which it can create enduring value for shareholders, and financial success in which all stakeholders can share.

“I am looking forward to bringing my experience gained from a career in UK retail and consumer product public companies, to build on Mike’s strong legacy and help propel Pets forward on its next exciting chapter.”