Anthony Hemmerdinger has been named Managing Director of Boots UK and Ireland, effective from 4 November.
He succeeds Sebastian James, who is stepping down after six years at the helm of the health and beauty retail chain.
Hemmerdinger is currently Retail & Operations Director at Boots and has more than 30 years experience in British retail.
“Anthony is a great leader with extensive retail experience,” said Ornella Barra, EVP, COO, International at Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), the parent company of Boots.
“His deep understanding of our business, passion for brilliant customer service and strong relationships will ensure a seamless leadership transition.
“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.”
Prior to joining Boots in 2022, Hemmerdinger was COO at Asda, where he spent six years managing the UK supermarket chain’s operations across its retail portfolio.
Other leadership positions include MD Telecoms at Sainsbury’s supermarkets and Retail and Contact Centres Director at mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse.
Hemmerdinger’s appointment follows a “thorough search process”, said a statement from Boots, which considered both external and internal candidates.
“Boots is a terrific business that holds a unique position at the heart of the UK’s health and beauty sector,” said Hemmerdinger.
“And I am extremely proud of all we have achieved over the last few years."
James announced his departure after WBA scrapped plans for a potential initial public offering (IPO) of Boots in June.
The US pharmacy giant also cut its profit outlook for the year, which saw its share price fall to its lowest level since 1997.
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