Pets at Home appoints Vet Group managing director
He has also held leadership roles at Waitrose and at Intraject, a healthcare technology company, where he led the production development of a new automated needle-free technology
Pets at Home has announced the appointment of Richard Dening-Smitherman to the role of managing director of the Vet group Vets for Pets.
Dening-Smitherman joined the Pets’ executive team on 2 September and in his new role he will lead the Vet business supported by the Vet leadership team and the Practice Owner Joint Venture Council.
Dening-Smitherman brings with him a wealth of leadership experience across large national and international organisations, most recently as chief operating officer of Burger King UK.
During his tenure at Burger King, he enabled market leading sales growth through digital channel expansion, developed “best in class” operating standards and supported growth across the UK franchise system, whilst building strong relationships with franchise owners, including implementing a representative UK franchise committee.
Prior to this, Dening-Smitherman was chief executive officer at Nando’s in the Middle East – leading the expansion of franchise opportunities across the region.
He has also held leadership roles at Waitrose and at Intraject, a healthcare technology company, where he led the production development of a new automated needle-free technology.
Lyssa McGowan, chief executive officer, said: “Richard has fantastic experience delivering success with some of the biggest brands in franchise based organisations, which will be invaluable in this new role to protect and nurture our unique joint venture model and to continue the development of our vet business.
“I am looking forward to working closely with him to achieve the opportunities ahead and to support our practice owners and clinical teams as we continue to deliver on our purpose of creating a better world for pets and the people who love them.”
