Boots chief quits following takeover

Alliance Boots chief executive Richard Baker has stepped down just weeks after private equity firm KKR and Boots deputy chairman Stefano Pessina bought the company for £11.1bn.

The retail and pharmacy group has also lost Scott Wheway, managing director of Boots The Chemists, who has decided not to accept a position in the new business. Alex Gourlay, currently healthcare director and a company veteran of 27 years, has been made managing director.

Pessina says the new management team will help deliver growth. “It’s important to our success that the team is committed to the company for the long term as we deliver our strategic vision,” he adds.

Baker was the man who ousted Ann Francke as Boots’ strategic marketing director in 2003 (MW October 30, 2003) as part of a review of the business. It is thought he is leaving Boots without a job to go to.