Pets at Home has announced that Peter Pritchard will step down from his role as chief executive and a director of the company next summer.

Mr Pritchard has worked at the business for 11 years and has been credited for developing and implementing the retailer’s pet care strategy.

In a statement, Pets at Home said: “Peter will remain fully engaged in his role as chief executive until late May 2022, to oversee the presentation of the group’s 2022 preliminary results to investors and to ensure a smooth transition period to his successor.

“The search for his suitable successor has commenced across internal and external candidates, and a further announcement will be made in due course.”

Mr Pritchard said: “I have loved my time at Pets at Home. It is a privilege to lead such a talented and passionate group of colleagues on this journey and I am incredibly proud of the results we have collectively achieved.

“We are the market-leading pet care business which, supported by a highly capable executive management team, has really good momentum and is primed to continue growing its share of market for many years to come.”