Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has announced the appointment of Rosalind (Roz) Brewer as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective on 15 March 2021. This appointment makes Brewer the only Black woman at the helm of a Fortune 500 company right now.
She also made history by becoming the first woman – and first African American – to lead a Walmart division a few years ago. She is currently ranked number 27 on Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business.
Brewer succeeds Stefano Pessina who will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board of WBA, after serving six years as CEO. Brewer will also join the Walgreen’s Board of Directors upon assuming the role.
EXCEPTIONAL LEADER
“The Board conducted an extensive search to identify an exceptional leader who will build on WBA’s track-record of success and take advantage of the many growth opportunities in many markets across the company. We are excited to have found that person in Roz,” stated Pessina. “She is a distinguished and experienced executive who has led organisations globally through periods of changing consumer behaviour by applying innovation that elevates customer experiences – ultimately driving significant and sustainable growth and value creation.”
“Her relentless focus on the customer, talent development, operational rigor and strong expertise in digital and technological transformation are exactly what WBA needs as the company enters its next chapter. I look forward to working with Roz, and to continuing to partner with Jim and the entire Board and management team to take our company forward,” added Pessina.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP TRACK RECORD
Brewer most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, Group President and member of the Board of Directors of Starbucks Corporation; where she has been instrumental in helping the company accelerate its growth strategy, expand its global reach and drive value for all of Starbucks’ diverse stakeholders. She brings a proven track record of leadership and operational expertise at multi-national corporations to WBA; with deep experience in strategic development, marketing, digital transformation and loyalty, innovation and technology, supply chain and store development.
Commenting on her new role, Brewer stated: “WBA is a world-class and trusted organisation whose purpose I deeply admire. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and I am excited to work alongside the entire WBA team as we deliver further innovation and positively impact the lives of millions of people around the world every day. This is especially true today as the company plays a crucial role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. I step into this role with great optimism for the future of WBA, a shared responsibility to serve our customers, patients and communities, and a commitment to drive long-term sustainable value for shareholders.”
PAST ROLES
Before her time at Starbucks, Brewer served as President and CEO of Sam’s Club, the members-only warehouse channel of Walmart Inc. While there, she successfully grew membership, transformed merchandise and amplified the use of digital technology to enable a seamless shopping experience at scale, which led to sequentially improved comp sales.
Brewer worked at Sam’s Club from 2012 to 2017. She actually made history then too by becoming the first woman and first African American to lead a Walmart division. She joined Walmart in 2006 as regional vice president and later became president of Walmart East, where her P&L responsibility exceeded $100 billion.
Prior to Walmart, she was with Kimberly-Clark Corp. for 22 years, starting as a scientist and ultimately serving as president of the Global Nonwovens Sector in 2004. Brewer is a director of Amazon, and a former director of Lockheed Martin and Molson Coors Brewing Company. She also continues to chair the board of trustees at Spelman College.
Brewer earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Spelman College and attended Wharton’s Advanced Management Program and Stanford University’s Directors’ College. The US is currently celebrating many firsts achieved by women in leadership – particularly by Black and women of colour – such as Kamala Harris becoming the first US Vice President, as reported.
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