Boots names Anthony Hemmerdinger as new Managing Director

Boots has appointed Anthony Hemmerdinger as its new Managing Director, replacing Seb James, who will exit the business in November. 

Hemmerdinger has served as Executive Retail & Operations Director at Boots since April 2023, having first joined the health and beauty retailer as Executive Retail Director in September 2022.

In his current role, he has spearheaded the high street chain's significant beauty re-fit and brand expansion programme across the company’s store estate and has been "instrumental" in the delivery of its enhanced healthcare and beauty services in-store.

Prior to joining Boots, he was COO at Asda, where he spent six years leading company operations across its UK retail portfolio.

H also previously held various senior operational and strategy positions at Greene King, Sainsbury's and Carphone Warehouse, and prior to that spent 17 years at Marks & Spencer.

Anthony Hemmerdinger, newly appointed Managing Director at Boots, 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 the team to deliver against our ambitious strategy and build on our great momentum."

His appointment follows a thorough search process and comes after current boss Seb James announced his plans to step down after six years to pursue a new role in the healthcare sector.

Ornella Barra, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, International at Walgreens Boots Alliance, said: "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 Boots in 2022, he 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."