Home / Business and Economy / Ornella Barra Shifts to Chairman as Boots Reorganizes
Ornella Barra Shifts to Chairman as Boots Reorganizes
27 Jan
Summary
- Ornella Barra is stepping down as boss to become chairman.
- Stefano Pessina is being replaced as chairman by Barra.
- The Boots Group was formed in August following a £7.4bn takeover.
Ornella Barra has announced her departure as the head of Boots, a position she has held since 2016. She will transition to the role of chairman, replacing her long-term partner, Stefano Pessina. Barra stated that it is the 'perfect moment' to move into a less operational capacity.
This leadership shift occurs in the wake of the August breakup of Boots' former parent company, Walgreens Boots Alliance. The acquisition by buyout group Sycamore Partners led to the formation of The Boots Group. This new entity comprises the chemist's UK and Irish operations, Boots Opticians, the No7 Beauty Company, and a pharmaceutical wholesale business in Germany.
Barra, aged 72, expressed confidence in the current state of The Boots Group, describing it as being 'in great shape.' Eighty-four-year-old Pessina will continue to serve as a director. Additionally, Anthony Hemmerdinger, who currently leads Boots in the UK and Ireland, will take on expanded responsibilities overseeing the No7 Beauty Company.
