Retail Veteran Moves to Expanding Competitor

  • Louise Stonier leaves Pets at Home after 20 years
  • Joins Medivet as Chief Operating Officer for UK and international markets
  • Experienced executive with roles in legal, HR, and culture
  • Pets at Home sees revenue growth despite challenging retail market

Pets at Home veteran Louise Stonier has left the company after a 20-year career, having held various senior roles including Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the retailer’s Vet Group. She recently announced on LinkedIn that she has joined Medivet as its Chief Operating Officer for UK and international markets. Stonier initially joined Pets at Home in 2004 as Head of Legal, later advancing to roles such as Chief People and Legal Officer and Chief People and Culture Officer. Under her leadership, the company navigated two private equity ownerships with Bridgepoint Capital and KKR and an IPO, as well as the acquisition of Vets4Pets in 2013. Medivet, a network of over 350 veterinary practices across the UK, is now looking to Stonier to drive its continued expansion. Despite operating in a ‘subdued’ retail market, Pets at Home reported a 1.9% total group revenue increase to £789.1m in its first-half results for FY25, with its Vet Group experiencing a 18.6% growth in the 28 weeks leading up to October 10 due to increased subscriptions, higher transaction values, and more frequent visits.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and relevant information about Louise Stonier’s career move from Pets at Home to Medivet, her previous roles within the company, and the performance of Pets at Home’s Vet Group. It also mentions the growth of the Vet Group and the retail market context. However, it lacks some details on Medivet’s expansion plans with Stonier’s appointment.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a change in leadership within the pet retail industry and highlights the performance of Pets at Home’s Vet Group. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences of decisions. It also does not offer actionable insights or new knowledge for readers.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses financial performance of Pets at Home and its Vet Group, including revenue growth and an IPO. It also mentions the departure of a senior executive to another company in the same industry.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the text

Reported publicly: www.retailgazette.co.uk