Boots UK’s retail and operations director, Anthony Hemmerdinger, is to take over as managing director of the chain when Seb James departs in early November. 

Parent company Walgreen Boots Alliance (WBA) revealed earlier today (September 12) that Mr Hemmerdinger, who joined as retail director in 2022, will take the top job on November 4 following a “thorough search process” of internal and external candidates, the company said. 

Mr Hemmerdinger, who will be based at the company’s Nottingham headquarters, previously held senior operational roles at companies including Greene King, Sainsbury’s and Carphone Warehouse.  

WBA chief operating officer Ornella Barra described him as a “great leader” with a “deep understanding of our business” who has “guided our retail and operations team through our change journey” over the past two years. 

Outgoing managing director Seb James announced in July that he had handed in his notice at the UK’s largest pharmacy multiple in order to take the helm at ophthalmology chain Veonet.

Mr Hemmerdinger said: “I am honoured to be appointed managing director of Boots, one of the UK’s most trusted brands and a place where I began my retail career with my first Saturday job as a teenager. 

“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.

“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.”

On June 28, Boots announced strong quarterly figures for the three months to May 31, driven by market share growth and increased demand for healthcare services. WBA has reportedly expressed interest in revisiting plans to sell off the UK multiple, but as of June executives indicated that it was not "the right time".