Padfield, CEO of veterinary care provider IVC Evidensia Ireland, will join the Nichols board from 1 September.
She will replace the outgoing Helen Keays, who is set to step down from the Vimto manufacturer’s board on 31 August after a nine-year spell with the company.
Padfield will bring “extensive leadership experience” in consumer-facing businesses to her new position, having held a number of senior executive roles throughout her career.
During her time at retail powerhouses Marks and Spencer and Tesco, Padfield has been credited with driving growth, transformation and “operational excellence”.
Through her work with both M&S and Tesco, Nichols said Padfield has developed expertise across a wide range of areas, including strategy, customer experience, organisational development, logistics, supply chain and international retail operations.
Liz McMeikan, chairwoman of Nichols plc, commented: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Helen for her valued contribution to Nichols and warmly welcome Laura as she joins us at an exciting stage in the Group’s continued development.
“I look forward to the benefit that Laura’s breadth and depth of experience will bring to the board.”
From the date of her appointment, Padfield will also become chair of the remuneration committee and a member of the audit and nominations committees, filling the positions vacated by Keays.
Last week, the Merseyside-based firm unveiled its interim results for the half year ended 30 June 2026, in which it reported revenue growth of 4.7% to £89.5 million and adjusted operating profit of £14.1 million.
