Value retailer B&M’s interim finance boss has quit the business less than five months into the role.
Helen Cowing, who joined B&M in November as interim chief financial officer, took over from then finance boss Mike Schmidt, who stepped down from the brand.
B&M said that Peter Waterhouse, who had been a key member of its finance team since 2013 and became group finance controller in 2020, will be replacing Helen.
Along with Waterhouse’s appointment, B&M said it had appointed Jennifer Lawrence as group people director and Peter Pritchard as a non-executive director.
Lawrence has held senior leadership roles at Boots Opticians, Costcutter, and, most recently, Card Factory. She will lead a new group HR function at B&M, bringing together its UK, France, and Heron Foods brands.
Former Pets at Home boss Pritchard brings 40 years of retail experience to B&M’s board, having also previously worked at Asda and Wilko.
“It’s fantastic to have Jennifer join B&M in this new, expanded role,” said Tjeerd Jegen, who took over as B&M chief executive last June.
“Alongside our customers, our people are vital stakeholders in our business. Jennifer’s appointment will help us serve them better while deepening the diversity of talent we are building across our leadership.
“I’m equally pleased we can draw on Peter’s considerable experience and expertise as our interim chief financial officer,” Jegen added. “I look forward to working closely with him in his new role.
“I would like to thank Helen for leading our finance team on an interim basis in recent months. We wish her well for the future.”
B&M chair Tiffany Hall said of Pritchard’s appointment: “Peter brings deep retail experience, which will be a great asset to the board as we support Tjeerd and his leadership team in executing our back to B&M basics plan and driving future growth.”
Pritchard said: “I am excited to be joining the board of B&M at an important point in its development. B&M is a highly differentiated business with a strong value-led proposition, disciplined operating model, and a clear opportunity to drive further growth.”
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