WBA marks 'next phase' with naming of pair of co-COOs
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Heralding Walgreens Boots Alliance's next phase of evolution, the Chicago-based retailer recast several senior management roles and responsibilities Thursday.
The company elevated the roles of Alex Gourlay and Ornella Barra to co-COOs in order to provide even greater focus and collaboration and further streamline the management of the company’s global operations.
“As we continue to work together to find simpler and more effective ways to manage our company, I believe this is the right structure at the right time,” stated Jim Skinner, Walgreens Boots Alliance executive chairman. “The changes announced today will allow us to further enhance operating performance, while developing our company for the longer term," he said. "I want to congratulate Ornella and Alex on their extended responsibilities. We are very fortunate to have these two world-class corporate executives working together in a senior management team that is very well positioned to guide our businesses across the world through the changing landscape of health care.”
“Alex and Ornella will be instrumental in driving the operations of our company in the next phase of its evolution now that our businesses have come successfully together after 18 months of integration," added Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance. "With the two co-chief operating officers overseeing the day-to-day activities of the company and the continued support of George Fairweather (EVP and global chief financial officer), Marco Pagni (EVP, global chief administrative officer and general counsel) and the other leaders, I will be able to further focus on driving the growth strategy and development of Walgreens Boots Alliance.”
Before, Alex Gourlay served as EVP Walgreens Boots Alliance and president of Walgreens, while Ornella Barra was EVP of Walgreens Boots Alliance and president and chief executive of Global Wholesale and International Retail.
In his new role, Gourlay will oversee Walgreens and Boots.
In addition to her current responsibilities, Barra will supervise Global Brands, Human Resources and other business services. As a result, Ken Murphy, who becomes EVP of Walgreens Boots Alliance and chief commercial officer and president of Global Brands, and Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, EVP and global chief human resources officer, will report to her.
Separately, Simon Roberts, EVP of Walgreens Boots Alliance and president of Boots, has decided at this time to pursue new opportunities and will leave the company in July 2016. Elizabeth Fagan, currently SVP and managing director International Retail, is appointed as SVP and managing director of Boots.
"I would like to warmly thank Simon for his outstanding contribution and for the key role he played at Boots during the past 13 years of his career," Pessina said. "We wish him the very best for the future. I also want to congratulate Elizabeth on her new position, where I am sure she will make a strong contribution.”