Boots CEO Ornella Barra to step down, named new chair
This comes after Sycamore Partners’ acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance last year.
UK – Ornella Barra, a longstanding leader at The Boots Group, is stepping down as CEO to assume the role of Chair of the board of directors, effective February 9, 2026.
She will succeed Stefano Pessina in this position while he remains a Director, allowing her to continue guiding the company’s ESG initiatives as it evolves into a standalone entity.
Barra’s departure from the CEO position marks a strategic shift, with no direct replacement planned.
However, Anthony Hemmerdinger, current Managing Director of Boots UK, Ireland, and Opticians, will assume expanded duties.
This includes supervising the No7 Beauty Company and all group-level operations, reporting straight to the board to ensure seamless leadership continuity.
Reflecting on her decision, Barra noted that she had long contemplated moving to a less hands-on role, deeming this the ideal time given the company’s robust financial and operational health, highlighted by Boots UK’s 19 consecutive quarters of market share growth.
Barra added, “In partnership with Sycamore Partners, I am confident that Boots, No7 Beauty Company, and all of the businesses across The Boots Group will continue to flourish and unlock their full potential.”
Pessina praised Barra as a “defining leader” for the business, reaffirming his family’s full commitment to The Boots Group and trust in Hemmerdinger and the management team.
Last year, Sycamore Partners finalized its acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) in a deal valued at approximately USD 23.7 billion, marking a significant shift for the global pharmacy giant.
In other news, Boots has launched Wellness Zones in select stores to help customers navigate the expanding wellness category with greater confidence.
This initiative pairs dedicated in-store areas with trained Health & Wellness Specialists to meet rising demand among beauty consumers who view wellness as integral to their daily routines.
The Wellness Zones debuted in six major stores, including Dartford Bluewater Park, Manchester Trafford Centre, Newcastle Eldon, London White City, Sheffield Meadowhall, and Dublin Liffey Valley, curating trusted products across gut health, nutrition, hydration, sleep, movement, and beauty from within.
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