Pet retailer Jollyes has announced the appointment of Joe Wykes as chief executive officer to lead the business through its next period of expansion.
Wykes joined Jollyes as chief operating officer in July 2021 and has played a key role in its recent expansion through new store openings, acquisitions, online investment and the extension of its distribution and logistics contract with Wincanton.
Prior to joining the pet products retailer, he served for two years as chief operating officer at Benson for Beds and has held senior roles in finance and operations in a number of private equity-backed retail businesses.
Richard Cotter will continue as executive chairman of Jollyes before transitioning back to the role of non-executive chair over the next few months.
He said: “I am confident that in Joe we have a CEO who has the energy, drive, passion and commitment to deliver our strategic objectives and, just as importantly, someone from inside our business who knows and understands what we stand for.”
In January, Jollyes reported sales of £42 million for the half year to November and is on target to reach an annual turnover of £100m in the next 12 months.
Backed by Kester Capital, Jollyes plans to open 20 new stores within a year, both organically and through acquisition. New stores planned for this year include Edinburgh, Glenrothes and Stirling in Scotland, and Brislington and Stockton-on-Tees in England. Jollyes has also invested in its click and collect service and online ranges, and increased staff training.
Wykes added: “I’m really honoured to get the opportunity to lead the Jollyes team as we look to bring the brand to more people in more places.
“The strength of the whole Jollyes team – in store and in our central operations – and the fantastic reaction of customers to what we bring them, makes me excited about what more we can achieve as we grow.”
