Wilmslow-based pet and vet retailer Pets at Home Group — where CEO Lyssa McGowan left the business on September 18 and Ian Burke assumed the role of executive chair — announced the appointment of former Waitrose and Sainsbury executive James Bailey as chief executive officer with effect from March 30, 2026.

“James was most recently Managing Director of Waitrose, a position he held for over five years from April 2020,” said Pets at Home.

“During his tenure, he led Waitrose to strong sales and profit growth, steering the business through the challenging Covid period and its immediate aftermath of high inflation.

“He also relaunched Waitrose.com after the company moved off the Ocado platform. Prior to his appointment at Waitrose, James held a number of senior roles over twenty years at J Sainsbury plc, including Grocery Buying Director.

“On 18 September 2025, Ian Burke was appointed Executive Chair pending the arrival of a permanent Chief Executive Officer. Ian will revert to the role of Non-Executive Chair upon James’ arrival and will then focus his efforts on supporting James through the transition period.”

Burke said: “Following an extensive search process, the board believes James’ experience aligns well with the group’s ambitions for the coming years.

“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. My board colleagues and I very much look forward to working with him.”

Bailey said: “I’m delighted to be joining Pets at Home, it’s a business I’ve admired for a long time and one I believe has a very bright future. I look forward to working with the Board and to meeting and working with all of the Pets colleagues and partners.”

Bailey’s remuneration package will include a base salary of £639,770, a pension contribution of 6.5% of base salary, an annual bonus maximum award of 170% of base salary, and an annual award of share options equivalent to 250% of base salary, dependent on shareholder approval.