Following the announcement that Alex Gourlay, chief executive of Alliance Boots' health and beauty division, is to take up a new role at Walgreens as executive vice president, president of customer experience and daily living, the company announced new management appointments within its health and beauty division, effective October 1, 2013. These will ensure that the group's pharmacy-led health and beauty retail businesses continue to perform successfully while the focus is increasingly on developing and internationalising the product brands.
Simon Roberts has been appointed managing director, health and beauty UK and Republic of Ireland. In this new role, he will be responsible for retail and pharmacy activities in these countries (including Boots Opticians). Previously, Roberts was COO of Boots UK, where he led the U.K. and Republic of Ireland store networks, pharmacy, operations and customer care teams.
Also, Ken Murphy has been appointed managing director, health and beauty international and brands. In this new role, he will have responsibility for product innovation, development and branding, global commercial account management, and international retailing, together with contract manufacturing (BCM). Previously, Murphy was a COO for Boots UK with responsibility for brands, marketing, trading and commercial development, as well as IT.
