12 December 2000

New M.D. For Pets At Home

Chris Winstanley, formerly Gap European Operations Director joined retail chain Pets at Home as Managing Director at the end of last month. Founder Anthony Preston remains Chairman and Chief Executive. Following its acquisition of PetSmart last year Pets at Home has 145 stores nation-wide and an anticipated turnover for the year to March 2001 of £175m. Winstanley, 39, has 20 years of retail experience working for some of the biggest names on the high street including; Arcadia, Topshop, Debenhams and Marks & Spencer. Outlining his vision for the business, Chris said: “Pets at Home has achieved an enviable position within its market and is looking to expand within the pet care sector through a variety of channels. In the short term we are completing a store refurbishment programme which is strengthening our foundations in our local markets." He added: "Beyond 2001 growth will come from additional superstores to give us full national coverage and additionally we are already developing new store formats and adjacent pet-care products and services. At a time when the pet-products market place is also growing these are exciting times for Pets at Home”