The boss of Nottingham health and beauty giant Boots is quitting the top job after its owners shelved a plan to sell the business. CEO Sebastian James , who has led Thane Road-based Boots since 2018, is set to leave the company in November. Mr James , who had previously run electrical retailer Dixons, has accepted a new role in the healthcare industry at ophthalmology chain Veonet , Sky News reports.
An announcement about his departure is expected in the coming days, but it is not believed Boots' American owner Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has lined up a replacement for him yet. His exit will take place during the retailer's 175th anniversary year. The news comes shortly after WBA again decided against selling the major Nottingham employer , with the US firm's CEO Tim Wentworth recently telling investors that a review of Boots "showed that we have attractive options to unlock value in this business".
Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp Mr Wentworth continued: "While we believe there is significant interest in Boots at the right time, its growth, strategic strength and cash flow remain key contributors to the company. We are committed to continuing to invest in Boots UK and find innovative ways for this business to fulfill its potential." This is the second time in two years WBA has ultimately decided against pursuing a sale or stock market flotation of Boots.
The retailer runs a network of around 2,000 stores from its headquarters between No.
