Liverpool-based B&M European Value Retail plc announced on Friday two directorate changes and an addition to its leadership team.

Helen Cowing has stepped down from her role as interim chief financial officer and as an executive director, effective Friday. Peter Waterhouse, group financial controller, has been appointed to this interim role with immediate effect.

“Peter has been a key member of the B&M Finance team since joining in 2013 and became Group Financial Controller in 2020,” said B&M.

“He trained and qualified with PwC before working in senior Finance roles at Johnson Service Group and Logica. Peter will continue in role until a permanent Chief Financial Officer is appointed.”

Separately, B&M announced the appointment of Peter Pritchard as a non-executive director.

“Peter was Group Chief Executive Officer of Pets at Home from 2018 to 2022 and brings 40 years of retail industry experience to B&M, including prior roles at Asda and Wilko,” said B&M.

“Peter has considerable board experience, including as Non-Executive Director of AO World, where he is currently Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee.   ‘

B&M chair Tiffany Hall said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter to the B&M board. Peter brings deep retail experience, which will be a great asset to the board as we support Tjeerd and his leadership team in executing our Back to B&M Basics plan and driving future growth.”

Pritchard said: “I am excited to be joining the board of B&M at an important point in its development. B&M is a highly differentiated business with a strong value-led proposition, disciplined operating model and a clear opportunity to drive further growth.”

Further, B&M said Jennifer Lawrence will join B&M as Group People Director, effective May 5, 2026. In this role, Lawrence will lead a new Group HR function that brings together teams across B&M UK, B&M France and Heron.

“Jennifer brings more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources to B&M, having held senior leadership roles at Boots Opticians, Costcutter and most recently as Executive People and Transformation Director at Card Factory,” msaid B&M.

B&M CEO Tjeerd Jegen said: “It’s fantastic to have Jennifer join B&M in this new expanded role. Alongside our customers, our people are vital stakeholders in our business. Jennifer’s appointment will help us serve them better while deepening the diversity of talent we are building across our leadership.

“I’m equally pleased we can draw on Peter’s considerable experience and expertise as our Interim CFO. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role. I would like to thank Helen for leading our Finance team on an interim basis in recent months. We wish her well for the future.”