Mike Iddon, chief financial officer at retailer Pets at Home Group Plc, is to retire next year.
Iddon advised the company’s board of his intention to retire from his role following nine years of leadership. He will remain in his role until Spring 2026, to ensure an orderly transition.
Following a search that began some months ago, the retailer has announced the selection of Sarah Pollard as chief financial officer and executive director, with the precise date of her appointment to follow in due course. Pollard has served as chief financial officer at PZ Cussons Plc since 2021 and, prior to that, as finance director at Birds Eye. She has also held finance leadership roles at Nomad Foods, Unilever Plc, Tesco Plc, Pepsico Inc and Diageo Plc.
Executive chair Ian 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.”
Sarah Pollard added: “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.”