Health and wellness chain Holland & Barrett has promoted UK and Ireland boss Anthony Houghton as its new group CEO.
Houghton is set to take on the position from October when the retailer’s new financial year begins, Retail Week reported.
The exec joined Holland & Barrett in September 2018 as its group retail and property director. He went on to serve as its chief operating officer from February 2023 to March 2024 before becoming the brand’s CEO UK and Ireland.
The business said the promotion represented its “focus on stability and strong succession planning with a continued focus on the delivery of the company’s transformation strategy”.
The executive will join Holland & Barrett’s board while chairman Alex Gourlay will remain in his position.
Houghton said: “I am delighted to have been offered the chance to take on the role of group CEO at Holland & Barrett.
“It is with immense pride that I get the opportunity to lead a business with such a clear purpose: to support the health and wellness of our customers while fostering an environment where our colleagues and communities can flourish.”
He continued: “What I’ve seen achieved by this business over the past seven years is a real testament to the incredible dedication and talent of our people.
“Their commitment every day, combined with the undoubted significant potential of the team, gives me great confidence that the investments we’ve made and the plans we’ve put in place will not only keep Holland & Barrett competitive in today’s market, but position us to lead for years to come.”
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Additionally, Holland & Barrett has appointed Vineta Bajaj as its new group chief financial officer.
She worked for Ocado Group from June 2013 to December 2022 under a number of different positions, including various finance director roles.
Bajaj said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Holland & Barrett at such an exciting moment in its journey. As the business accelerates its transformation to become a global, digital-first wellness leader, I look forward to bringing my experience in omnichannel retail, e-commerce and Al & technology-led growth to support its bold ambitions.
“It’s a fantastic brand with a powerful purpose in a sector that’s only growing in relevance and impact.”
Holland & Barrett celebrated its second consecutive year of double-digit growth in May.
Gross profit for the chain soared to £524.2m in the year to 30 September 2024, rising from £475.7m, which it attributed to “significant investment” in its digital transformation strategy.
Revenues were up 10% at £884.5m, compared to £806.1m the year before.
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