Boots appoints new CEO taking over Nottingham company in November

A general view inside Boots at Victoria Centre in Nottingham city centre. Inset of Anthony Hemmerdinger, new Boots CEO effective November 4, 2024
-Credit: (Image: Joseph Raynor / Nottingham Post; inset: Boots UK)


Boots has appointed a new CEO with more than 30 years of experience in the retail sector to take over the company in November. Anthony Hemmerdinger has been named as the new managing director of the Nottingham company.

Mr Hemmerdinger is currently the retail and operations director of Boots, a position which he has held since September 2022. His appointment, effective from November 4, follows Sebastian James's exit announcement in July.

Mr Hemmerdinger has more than 30 years of experience in the UK retail sector for companies such as Asda, Greene King, Sainsbury's, Carphone Warehouse and Marks and Spencer. Mr James has been with the company for six years and is leaving his role to pursue a new position in the healthcare sector.

The retailer revealed that both external and internal candidates were considered for the CEO position before Mr Hemmerdinger's appointment. Mr Hemmerdinger, managing director designate, said: "I am honoured to be appointed Managing Director of Boots, one of the UK’s most trusted brands and a place where I began my retail career with my first Saturday job as a teenager. Boots is a terrific business that holds a unique position at the heart of the UK’s health and beauty sector, and I am extremely proud of all we have achieved over the last few years.

"This is an exciting time for the company and I look forward to working with Ornella [Barra, Chief Operating Officer of Boots] and the wider team to deliver against our ambitious strategy and build on our great momentum. I would also like to thank Seb for his support and leadership over the last few years.

"It has been a privilege to work alongside him and I look forward to working closely together in our handover period."

CEO of Boots UK, Seb James pictured during interview at Boots Headquarters in Nottingham
Sebastian James, who has led Thane Road-based Boots since 2018, will leave the company in November according to media reports -Credit:Nottingham Post

He brings with him over 30 years of experience in the UK retail sector. In his current role at Boots, he leads the retailer's teams across approximately 1,900 stores and distribution centres.

Mr Hemmerdinger has led the company's significant beauty re-fit and brand expansion programme, but also played a significant role in the delivery of its enhanced healthcare and beauty services in-store. Ornella Barra, Chief Operating Officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance, said: "Anthony is a great leader with extensive retail experience.

"His deep understanding of our business, passion for brilliant customer service and strong relationships will ensure a seamless leadership transition and enable us to build on our transformation journey apace. Since he joined the Boots team in 2022, Anthony has successfully guided our retail and operations team through our change journey, which has delivered consistent growth across all our categories.

"I am confident that he, together with our talented leadership team, will ensure that Boots maintains its very positive trajectory. I would also like to once again thank Seb for his leadership over the last six years. On behalf of the whole team, we wish him all the best in his next role."