Richard brings with him a wealth of leadership experience across large national and international organisations, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Burger King UK (BK) – one of the world’s largest food franchise businesses. During his tenure at Burger King, Richard 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, Pets at Home 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.
Commenting on Dening-Smitherman’s appointment, chief executive officer, Lyssa McGowan, 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.”
Dening-Smitherman said: “I am truly delighted to be joining the Pets family as Managing Director of the Vet Group. Pets is an amazing business with a passionate and caring team that is truly creating a better world for pets and the people who love them. As someone who also loves their pets, I have personally experienced this. Our Vets Group is a world class clinical team, and I am excited to meet everyone and support our business success as we continue building the world’s best pet care platform together.”
Dening-Smitherman served as a British Army Officer with the Royal Tank Regiment and on operations with the United Nations, and was Performance Manager for the British Olympic Biathlon Team, achieving team qualification for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and improving the GB global ranking to Top-10. He lives in the Cotswolds with his wife and daughter, and is the proud owner of a nine-year old Cockapoo, an eight-year old Bengal cat, and a five-month old Labrador puppy.
