Boots UK boss set to step down
Boots has revealed the man in charge of its UK operations will step down from the role in July.
The Nottingham-based firm’s US parent company Walgreen Boots Alliance has said that Simon Roberts will be leaving “to pursue new opportunities”.
He will be replaced by executive vice-president Alex Gourlay, a Boots veteran who has held numerous roles at the company since joining it as a Saturday assistant in 1976. His official title will be co-chief operating officer – his counterpart being Ornella Barra.
Elizabeth Fagan, currently senior vice president and MD international retail, is appointed as senior vice president and managing director of Boots.
Boots employs 60,000 people in the UK and, whilst it may have moved a long way from its roots, about 4,000 work in the Beeston support centre which services the health and beauty retailer’s 2,500 pharmacies and stores.
“As we continue to work together to find simpler and more effective ways to manage our company, I believe this is the right structure at the right time,” said Jim Skinner, Walgreens Boots Alliance executive chairman.
He added: “The changes announced today will allow us to further enhance operating performance, while developing our Company for the longer term. I want to congratulate Ornella and Alex on their extended responsibilities. We are very fortunate to have these two world-class corporate executives working together in a senior management team that is very well positioned to guide our businesses across the world through the changing landscape of healthcare.”
Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, said: ““I would like to warmly thank Simon for his outstanding contribution and for the key role he played at Boots during the past 13 years of his career. We wish him the very best for the future.”
