Pets at Home CEO steps down as group lowers profit forecast
Ian Burke becomes executive chair while search begins for permanent replacement
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Pets at Home has announced the immediate departure of chief executive Lyssa McGowan and lowered its full-year 2026 profit forecast to between £90m and £100m.
Non-executive chair Ian Burke has assumed the role of executive chair while a search is carried out for a new chief executive.
McGowan had led the company since 2022.
The group stated that its previous guidance assumed 1% growth in the retail market, but conditions have remained “subdued”, with underlying sales in the sector declining slightly so far this year.
Pets at Home reported that its retail division had improved sequentially, though at a slower pace than expected.
Store sales were down 5% year to date, while digital sales recorded double-digit growth supported by its upgraded online platform and Easy Repeat subscription service.
The veterinary division reported high single-digit sales growth, with plans to open 10 new practices and 15 extensions during the year.
