Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced the appointment of Anthony Hemmerdinger as the new Managing Director of Boots UK & Ireland.

He will take up the role on 4th November, replacing Seb James, who revealed in July that he would be stepping down after six years leading the health & beauty retailer to become the new CEO of Veonet, a chain of ophthalmology clinics.
Hemmerdinger is currently Retail & Operations Director at Boots, a position he has held since September 2022. He was previously Chief Operating Officer at Asda, where he spent six years leading company operations across its retail portfolio. He has also held senior operational and strategy roles at Greene King, Sainsbury’s, and Carphone Warehouse, having spent 17 years at Marks & Spencer.
Boots noted that in his current role, Hemmerdinger has spearheaded its beauty re-fit and brand expansion programme and been instrumental in the delivery of its enhanced healthcare and beauty services in-store.
Ornella Barra, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, International at WBA, commented: “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.”
Hemmerdinger added: “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.”
Seb James announced his departure just days after WBA put a planned sale or IPO of Boots on hold for the foreseeable future. He claimed at the time that his exit from the retailer was not related to WBA’s decision.
NAM Implications:
- Anthony Hemmerdinger’s solid retail experience, topped by two years as a Boots ‘insider’, should ensure a smooth transition…
- …whilst pushing through the changes necessary at Boots.
- Time and an opportunity for suppliers to adjust their Boots strategies…
- …to optimise the inevitable changes.