Pets at Home appoints Sky UK exec as new CEO

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Pets at Home has appointed Sky UK chief consumer officer Lyssa McGowan as its new chief executive.

McGowan will succeed Peter Pritchard who announced his intention to step down from the role in summer 2022 late last year.

Lyssa McGowan 1

She will join the business as CEO designate from April 22 and Pritchard will remain until May 31 to ensure a smooth transition before McGowan takes over on June 1.

During her 11-year tenure at Sky UK, McGowan has been responsible for growing various business units organically and through M&A, and has particular knowledge of managing product, services and subscription-based businesses.

She was also previously a non-executive director at Morrisons, prior to its takeover by CD&R.

McGowan said: “I am thrilled to be joining Pets at Home as CEO. It is a fantastic business with a unique, integrated business model and a strong purpose-led culture fuelled by the shared passion of over 15,000 colleagues and partners to care for pets and the people who love them.

“I am excited to work with the board and executive management team to lead Pets at Home on its journey to being the best pet care business in the world.”

Chair Ian Burke added: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Lyssa as CEO of Pets at Home Group Plc.

“Lyssa brings strong corporate, strategic and operational expertise across a range of consumer-facing businesses and a proven track record of growth at Sky with significant experience in customer and digital-first initiatives across multiple channels and sites.”

“Following an extensive search process across internal and external candidates, the board believes that Lyssa has the requisite skills and capabilities to lead Pets at Home as it executes its future growth strategy.

“Lyssa’s commercial and strategic experience will undoubtedly be of great benefit to Pets at Home and I very much look forward to working with her.”