Value retailer B&M has announced the appointment of Atheeq Akbar as its new CEO, with effect from February 2027.
Atheeq brings a wealth of UK retail experience to B&M. He will join B&M from ASDA, where he is currently Vice President of Commercial Finance. Prior to ASDA, Atheeq led the retail and manufacturing finance functions at Morrisons before being appointed as a Finance Director in 2021.
Atheeq has also held senior finance roles at Tesco and brings international experience of finance leadership from Etihad Airways. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Atheeq began his career at Deloitte and is a member of the ICAEW.
Announcing Atheeq’s appointment, Tjeerd Jegen, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Securing the right individual as Chief Financial Officer has been a key priority for me in recent months and I am excited that after an extensive search, we can announce Atheeq in this role. His strong commercial background in UK retail will be a great asset as we bring about change to deepen the financial foundations of our business. I look forward to partnering with Atheeq and would like to thank Pete Waterhouse for his continued leadership as Interim CFO in the meantime as we bring about a seamless transition in this important role.”
Tiffany Hall, Chair, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Atheeq as our new Chief Financial Officer and as an Executive Director of our Board. I have every confidence that Atheeq’s blend of commercial and retail experience will be a strong complement to Tjeerd as we execute on our Back to B&M Basics plan and drive future growth.”
Commenting on his appointment, Atheeq Akbar said: “The opportunity for UK value retail is considerable, as is the leadership role B&M can continue to play in its development. I am excited to be joining the Company at such an important time and I look forward to working with Tjeerd and the Board to deliver B&M at its full potential.”
