Boots promotes from within as it reveals new boss

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has appointed Anthony Hemmerdinger as managing director of Boots UK and Ireland.

Hemmerdinger starts the job on November 4, following the announcement in July that Seb James would be stepping down after six years to pursue a new role in the healthcare sector.

Hemmerdinger is currently retail & operations director at Boots UK, a position he has held since September 2022. He brings with him over 30 years of experience in the UK retail sector.

Prior to joining Boots, Hemmerdinger was chief operating officer at Asda, where he spent six years leading company operations across its UK retail portfolio. He previously held senior operational and strategy roles at Greene King, Sainsbury’s and Carphone Warehouse, and prior to that spent 17 years at Marks & Spencer.

Ornella Barra, EVP, chief operating officer, international at Walgreens Boots Alliance, said: “Anthony is a great leader with extensive retail experience. His deep understanding of our business, passion for brilliant customer service and strong relationships will ensure a seamless leadership transition and enable us to build on our transformation journey apace.

“Since he joined the Boots team in 2022, Anthony has successfully guided our retail and operations team through our change journey, which has delivered consistent growth across all our categories. I am confident that he, together with our talented leadership team, will ensure that Boots maintains its very positive trajectory.

“I would also like to once again thank Seb for his leadership over the last six years. On behalf of the whole team, we wish him all the best in his next role.”

Hemmerdinger added: “I am honoured to be appointed managing director of Boots, one of the UK’s most trusted brands and a place where I began my retail career with my first Saturday job as a teenager. Boots is a terrific business that holds a unique position at the heart of the UK’s health and beauty sector, and I am extremely proud of all we have achieved over the last few years. This is an exciting time for the company and I look forward to working with Ornella and the wider team to deliver against our ambitious strategy and build on our great momentum.

“I would also like to thank Seb for his support and leadership over the last few years. It has been a privilege to work alongside him and I look forward to working closely together in our handover period.”