Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Roz Brewer exits

Rosalind Brewer has stepped down as CEO of the Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) after more than two years in the role. 

The process to identify a permanent Chief Executive is underway, with Brewer continuing to advise WBA while it conducts the search.

The company has also appointed Ginger Graham, current Lead Independent Director of WBA, as interim CEO.

Brewer was named as CEO of WBA in March 2021, joining the company from Starbucks, where she served as COO and Group President.

As CEO of WBA, Brewer introduced a "significant strategic pivot" towards the growth of WBA into healthcare, including three strategic acquisitions to expand and accelerate WBA’s consumer-centric healthcare offerings.

She also achieved considerable cost savings through WBA's transformational cost management program, the company revealed in a statement.

Stefano Pessina, Executive Chairman at WBA, said: "Roz navigated the company through the global pandemic, overseeing the critical rollout of vaccines in Walgreens pharmacies and to high-risk populations across the country.

"She furthered our consumer facing capabilities while supporting the culture of community and team-member engagement in difficult times. We appreciate her hard work and commitment to the company during this period of unprecedented change."

Brewer added: "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead Walgreens Boots Alliance and to work alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues. I am proud of what we accomplished together.

"We’ve improved the lives of our employees, expanded healthcare services for our customers and enhanced our ability to deliver on our purpose of more joyful lives through better health."