Sebastian James, the CEO of British health and beauty retailer Boots, is set to step down after U.S. owner Walgreens Boots Alliance’s plans for a sale or stock market listing of the chain stalled.
James, who has been at the helm since 2018, will remain in his position until November before moving to a new role in the healthcare industry.
Details of James’ Departure:
A source familiar with the situation confirmed to Reuters that James would leave his post later this year.
Although Walgreens did not respond to requests for comment outside business hours, Sky News reported James’ departure, noting his move to a healthcare industry role.
Background on Walgreens’ Plans:
- Sale and Listing Plans: Walgreens had initially planned either a sale or a stock market listing for Boots, but these plans have now been halted.
- Continued Investment: On Thursday, Walgreens announced it had no plans to sell Boots and would continue investing in the retailer instead. This decision comes alongside a warning about its profit outlook.
Sebastian James’ Tenure:
Since becoming CEO in 2018, Sebastian James has overseen several significant developments at Boots. His leadership period has seen efforts to modernize the chain and improve its market positioning.
Market Reaction:
The announcement of James’ departure and the stalled plans for Boots’ sale or listing come when Walgreens navigates a challenging business environment. The company’s recent profit outlook warning adds to the uncertainty surrounding its future strategies.