Walgreens CEO Roz Brewer steps down after more than two years in the role
Walgreens Boots Alliance announced on Wednesday that CEO Roz Brewer is stepping down after more than two years in the role. The company said in a press release that Amazon executive Sebastián Gallese, who is currently vice president of global health for Amazon, will become its new CEO starting March 15, 2021.
Brewer will remain on the Walgreens Board of Directors and take on the role of vice chairman. She replaces former executive vice chairman James Kehoe, who passed away in August.
“Roz has been a dynamic leader for Walgreens over the past two and a half years, and I thank her for her tremendous contributions,” said Group Vice Chairman of Walgreens Boots Alliance Stefano Pessina. “Having worked closely with Sebastián in the past, I am confident in his ability to lead the company to further success.”
Brewer joined Walgreens in October 2018 and led the company’s rapid transformation from a traditional pharmacy retailer to an integrated health and wellness provider. Under Brewer’s leadership, the pharmacy giant began expanding its health care services, such as primary care clinics, and launched a digital health platform.
Gallese is no stranger to the company, having previously served as an advisor to CEO Stefano Pessina and Group Vice Chairman Ornella Barra. He has experience managing large health care organizations and has expertise in digital health, analytics, and cloud technology.
Brewer said she is confident that Gallese will bring more success to the company. “Sebastián’s impressive background in digital health and technology, plus his deep knowledge and respect for the brand, make him the perfect choice to chart Walgreens’ course into the future,” she said.