Pets at Home nabs PZ Cussons Plc CFO

Pets at Home has announced a new CFO.
Vets for Pets and Pets at Home store opening Bletchley (James Linsell Clark / SWNS)

The news follows as the chief financial officer for Pets at Home Group Plc has announced his intention to retire.

Mike Iddon will step down after 9 years of leadership during what has been a period of growth, maturity and expansion for the business.

Sarah Pollard will assume the role of CFO and executive director upon his departure.

Pollard will be moving on from her role as chief financial officer at PZ Cussons Plc – a position she’s held since 2021. Her experience also includes roles at Birds Eye and Nomad Foods where she served as finance director and deputy chief financial, respectively.

She has also held finance leadership roles at Unilever Plc, Tesco Plc, PepsiCo Inc, and Diageo Plc.

Pollard said she is thrilled to be joining the team at Pets at Home: “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.”

Iddon will remain as CFO until spring to ensure a smooth transition. Pollard’s exact start date will be announced in due course.

“During his tenure, consumer revenues have more than doubled to £2 billion and we have returned over £500 million to shareholders, with Mike leading the business with calmness and a relentless focus on high standards," commented Ian Burke, executive chair.

“Mike will leave next year with our best wishes for a happy and well-deserved retirement.”

On his retirement, Iddon added: “It has been a privilege to serve at Pets at Home over the past 9 years, during which time the business has gone through profound transformation and growth while always keeping pet owners, our colleagues and our investors at its heart.

“I will retire leaving the business with a well invested platform, a sector leading vet business and a robust balance sheet that sets it up well for the future. Pets at Home is a truly purpose led business, and I wish the Board and team every success in the future.”