Shares in B&M European Value Retail slid by over 3% on Friday following a corporate update that included changes at the finance leadership level.
The company said that Helen Cowing has stepped down from her role as Interim Chief Financial Officer with immediate effect. In her place, B&M has appointed Peter Waterhouse, the Group Financial Controller, to act as interim CFO while it conducts a search for a permanent appointment.
According to the announcement, Waterhouse has been with B&M since 2013 and has occupied senior roles in the finance function since 2020. He will carry the responsibilities of the CFO post on a temporary basis until the business identifies and appoints a permanent chief financial officer.
Market reaction and trading details
Trading activity on the day showed a volume of 1.94 million shares, which the company noted is 82% below its 30-day average. The share price remains close to its recent trough: the stock sits only 15.9% above its all-time low of 154p, a level recorded in November 2025. Over the past 12 months the shares are down 37%, although they have recovered 8% year-to-date from a depressed base.
The boardroom announcement and the immediate change in interim finance leadership coincided with the price movement and below-average trading volume observed on Friday.
Context and next steps
B&M has indicated that Waterhouse will serve as interim CFO while the company seeks a permanent replacement. The statement did not provide further details about the timeline for the search or potential candidates. No additional operational or strategic changes were declared in the communication accompanying the personnel move.
Investors will likely watch future announcements for updates on the CFO recruitment process and any further boardroom developments.