Boots owner names Starbucks COO Rosalind Brewer as new chief executive

By Sarah Parsons | Published: 27-Jan-2021

Walgreens Boots Alliance has confirmed the new CEO will take over from Stefano Pessina from mid-March


The owner of health and beauty retailer Boots has recruited Starbucks' COO Rosalind Brewer as its new chief executive.

Brewer will take over from Stefano Pessina in mid-March who will transition to Chairman of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) board.

Pessina served WBA during the merger between Walgreens and Boots Alliance in 2014 and has been credited for transforming and modernising the multinational.

Brewer will step down from her role as Chief Operation Officer of Starbucks and her position on the board of Amazon.

Prior to joining Starbucks in 2017, she was chief executive of Walgreens-owned retailer Sam's Club, where she became the first woman to lead a Walmart division.

She is currently ranked #27 on Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business.

"The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and I am excited to work alongside the entire WBA team as we deliver further innovation and positively impact the lives of millions of people around the world every day," said Brewer.

"This is especially true today as the company plays a crucial role in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I step into this role with great optimism for the future of WBA, a shared responsibility to serve our customers, patients and communities, and a commitment to drive long-term sustainable value for shareholders.”

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