Boots owner WBA bolsters growth strategy with new board appointment

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has appointed Tom Polen to its Board of Directors as the company continues to accelerate its healthcare transformation and growth strategy. 

Polen brings over 25 years experience advancing healthcare solutions and technologies to the company.

He currently works as Chairman, CEO and President of medical tech firm BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company).

Polen also serves on the boards of AdvaMed, where he chairs the Committee on Payment & Health Care Deliver Policy, and Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, a subsidiary of Hackensack Meridian Medical Center.

Stefano Pessina, Executive Chairman at Walgreens Boots Alliance, said: "I am pleased to welcome Tom to the WBA Board of Directors.

"I know his industry insights and leadership will be a great asset as we advance local healthcare and wellbeing to deliver sustainable value to our customers, communities, partners, and shareholders."

Roz Brewer, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, added: “Tom is a strong addition to our board. He joins at a pivotal time as we enter the next phase of our healthcare transformation.

“As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, his extensive industry and technology experience will be a great benefit to delivering on our consumer-centric healthcare strategy and driving long-term shareholder value.”

Last month, WBA reported an 8.6% increase in sales to £27.8 billion ($35.4 billion) for the third quarter ending 31 May 2022, with Boots UK retail and pharmacy sales up.