Walgreens Boots Alliance has announced a series of leadership changes as part of its ‘next phase of evolution’.

Alex Gourley, Executive Vice President of Walgreens Boots Alliance and President of Walgreens has been promoted to Co-COO of the company, with responsibility for both Walgreens and Boots. The role will be shared with Ornella Barra, currently Executive Vice President of Walgreens Boots Alliance and President and Chief Executive of Global Wholesale and International Retail across the Alliance, who will be charged with supervising global brands, human resources and business services in addition to her current role.

The new appointments are designed to fill the gap left by the departure of Simon Roberts, President of Boots, who is leaving the company in July ‘to pursue new opportunities’.

In addition, Elizabeth Fagan, currently Senior Vice President and MD of International Retail, has been appointed Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Boots.

“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,” said 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.”