Boots has named Anthony Hemmerdinger as its new managing director for UK and Ireland, replacing Seb James from 4 November.
Hemmerdinger has been the retail and operations director at the health and beauty giant since 2022 and brings with him over 30 years of experience in the UK retail sector.
In his current role, Boots said he has been “a principal member of the leadership team under which the business has undergone a successful transformation”.
“Anthony has spearheaded Boots’ significant beauty re-fit and brand expansion programme across the company’s stores and has been instrumental in the delivery of its enhanced healthcare and beauty services in-store,” it added.
Prior to joining the retailer, Hemmerdinger was chief operating officer at Asda, where he spent six years leading its UK retail business.
He previously held senior operational and strategy roles at Sainsbury’s and Carphone Warehouse, and prior to that spent 17 years at M&S.
Boots said his appointment follows a “thorough search process” which considered both external and internal candidates.
Hemmerdinger said: “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 [Barra, Walgreens international chief operating officer] 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.”
James revealed he would be stepping down after owner Walgreens shelved plans for a multibillion-pound sale for the second time.
He has been credited with helping to reinvent the retailer’s beauty business, bringing in hundreds of new brands, re-fitting beauty halls across the UK and employing more specialist beauty advisers, as well as expanding its pharmacy practice to offer over 160 healthcare services for both private and NHS patients.
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