Walgreens Boots Alliance Appoints John Standley President of Walgreens

DEERFIELD, Ill. – August 31, 2020 – Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) today announced the appointment of John Standley as President of Walgreens, effective immediately. He will lead all Walgreens operations, and will have responsibility for the development, growth and management of the business as the company continues to build on its leadership in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector.

Standley has a deep background in pharmacy, retail and healthcare, and will bring extensive operational experience to his role to further deliver on the company’s four key strategic priorities: creating neighborhood health destinations, driving cost transformation, accelerating digitalization and restructuring Walgreens retail offering. He will report to Alex Gourlay, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance.

Previously, he served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Rite Aid Corp. after a long career with the company in various leadership roles. Prior to Rite Aid Corp., he was the Chief Executive Officer of Pathmark Stores Inc., and has held leadership roles in several other grocery and retail companies. Standley is also a former Chair of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS).

“John’s leadership experience and strong understanding of our industry and the U.S. healthcare markets will allow him to hit the ground running, drive our transformation and fulfill our purpose to help people lead healthier and happier lives across America,” said Stefano Pessina, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “Walgreens’ essential role in the healthcare delivery system and in the lives of millions of Americans has never been more important as we continue to work our way through the pandemic together. I’m confident John will build on and grow our momentum at Walgreens, and help us compete and win even more in the marketplace.”

Gourlay, who has served as President of Walgreens on an interim basis, will continue in his role as Co-Chief Operating Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance, overseeing the strategic direction and coordination of the company’s U.S. operations.  

“I’m very excited to join the team and lead the iconic Walgreens brand,” said Standley. “I’m looking forward to accelerating execution of the strategic vision for the future of Walgreens. My top priorities will be meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers, patients, team members and the communities we serve during these challenging times, and ensuring that Walgreens fulfills its full potential as one of America’s most admired and trusted companies.”

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Notes to Editors:

About Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) is a global leader in retail and wholesale pharmacy, touching millions of lives every day through dispensing and distributing medicines, its convenient retail locations, digital platforms and health and beauty products. The company has more than 100 years of trusted health care heritage and innovation in community pharmacy and pharmaceutical wholesaling.

Including equity method investments, WBA has a presence in more than 25 countries, employs more than 440,000 people and has more than 18,750 stores.

WBA’s purpose is to help people across the world lead healthier and happier lives. The company is proud of its contributions to healthy communities, a healthy planet, an inclusive workplace and a sustainable marketplace. The company’s businesses have been recognized for their Corporate Social Responsibility. Walgreens was named to FORTUNE* magazine’s 2019 Companies that Change the World list and Boots UK was recognized as Responsible Business of the Year 2019-2020 by Business in the Community.

WBA is included in FORTUNE’s 2019 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies, ranked first in the food and drugstore category. This is the 26th consecutive year that WBA or its predecessor company, Walgreen Co., has been named to the list.

More company information is available at www.walgreensbootsalliance.com.

*© 2019, Fortune Media IP Limited. Used under license.

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