Former Asda chief takes helm at Pets at Home

NORTH West retailer Pets at Home has appointed former ASDA boss Tony DeNunzio as its new non-executive chairman following the company’s successful acquisition.

Luke Mayhew will now step down from the position of non-executive chairman at the Handforth-based group which was purchased by American buyout firm KKR for £955m in January.

Mr DeNunzio, who is chairman of the advisory board of Manchester Business School, said: “Pets at Home is a wonderful business with a unique position in the UK retail sector.

“It is an honour to be joining such a talented management team and I am looking forward to helping them deliver their exciting plans for future growth.”

Mr DeNunzio was was previously president and chief executive of Asda/Wal-Mart UK, from 2002 to 2005.

He is currently executive chairman of Maxeda, the largest non-food retailer in the Netherlands, with operations across Europe.

Additionally, he is also a non-executive director of Alliance Boots.

Matt Davies, chief executive of Pets at Home, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Tony as our new chairman.

“His extensive experience at the top of large and successful retailers will be invaluable to Pets at Home as we continue our expansion, bringing the Pets at Home experience to more and more people across the UK. 

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Luke for his leadership, wisdom and support over the past five years.”