Ian Kellett to take the helm at Pets at Home

Pets and Home Group announced the appointment of Ian Kellett as its chief executive officer on Monday, taking the helm from 4 April.

The appointment followed the resignation of Nick Wood, who was remaining in an advisory role until 1 July to support Kellett and ensure a smooth transition.

Pets at Home's board said Kellett had been a member for the last ten years, firstly as chief financial officer and then as CEO of the retail division. He was said to have steered the business through continuous growth and played a pivotal role in its IPO, as well as the acquisition of Vets4Pets.

At the same time, the company announced the promotion of Peter Pritchard from the role of chief operating officer of retail to chief executive officer of retail. As previously announced, Graeme Jenkin was joining the group as chief financial officer, also on 4 April.

"I am delighted that Ian is succeeding Nick as CEO, having seen them work together so successfully over the past four years on the strategic development of the group. His appointment is consistent with the succession plan the board set out when Ian was appointed last year as CEO of the retail division, and with the appointment of Graeme Jenkins as CFO," said Pets at Home chairman Tony DeNunzio.

"Ian has a strong vision for the group based on his experience over ten years with Pets at Home in both financial and operational roles and I am confident he will continue to provide excellent leadership to the group," he added.

The group's board confirmed it was continuing to trade in line with expectations, and would provide an update on the fourth quarter on 21 April.