Boots shop

Baldock is set to join Boots this autumn

Boots has appointed Alex Baldock as CEO, to take over from Anthony Hemmerdinger this autumn.

Baldock is currently CEO of Currys, where he is credited with leading a transformation of the technology retailer. He has spent eight years at Currys, having previously served as CEO of Shop Direct, now called The Very Group, and as MD of Lombard.

Hemmerdinger, currently Boots UK, Ireland, Opticians and No7 Beauty Company senior VP and MD, will continue in his role until Baldock joins.

A statement from the Boots Group board of directors said: “We would like to thank Anthony Hemmerdinger for his commitment and dedication to Boots. His leadership has been pivotal in establishing The Boots Group as a standalone, private company and in reinforcing Boots’ leading position in beauty, health and wellness – demonstrated by 20 consecutive quarters of like-for-like retail share growth and customer satisfaction improvements.

“As we look ahead, we are fully committed to continuing to offer an outstanding experience for all our communities and strongly believe in the opportunity for significant long-term growth at Boots. Alex is an experienced, transformational leader with a track record of success and we are delighted he will be joining us as we embark on our next phase of transformation, growth and investment.”

Baldock said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be joining Boots as CEO. Boots is an iconic, trusted brand with a strong heritage, and plays such an important role in millions of customers’ lives.

“This is an exciting new chapter for Boots, which is uniquely well positioned to meet customers’ growing needs in beauty, health and wellness. I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team and our colleagues to make the most of the exceptional opportunity.”