Boots boss Simon Roberts to step down next month

The boss of Boots will step down as head of the pharmacy and beauty chain next month, its parent company has announced.

Simon Roberts has decided to “pursue new opportunities”, Walgreens Boots Alliance said as it unveiled a wider shake-up of senior management at the group.

Elizabeth Fagan, currently senior vice president and managing director of international retail, will take over from Roberts.

Croydon-born Roberts, who joined the company from Marks & Spencer in 2003, was promoted to Boots president amid the retailer’s merger with Walgreens.

In recent years he has tried to balance the growth of online shopping with Boots’ extensive store network by ushering in click and collect services.

Roberts said on Thursday that Boots has made good progress in “in modernising our business to be better prepared for the opportunities and challenges of today's world”.

“Plans to build an even better Boots are well on track, I've therefore come to realise that now is the right time for me to step away,” he added.

The group, led by Stefano Pessina, also said Walgreens boss Alex Gourlay and head of global wholesale and international retail, Ornella Barra, would become co-chief operating officers.

Pessina said the move will allow him to “further focus on driving the growth strategy and development of Walgreens Boots Alliance”.