Walgreens Boots CEO to step down; EPS seen ‘near the low end’ of guidance

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:) has announced a leadership change today.

Rosalind Brewer, the company’s CEO, will be stepping down from her role as CEO and as a member of the Board as of August 31, 2023. This decision was made mutually between the Board of Directors and Ms. Brewer, WBA said.

Stefano Pessina, Executive Chairman, WBA, said, “Roz navigated the Company through the global pandemic, overseeing the critical rollout of vaccines in Walgreens pharmacies and to high-risk populations across the country. She furthered our consumer facing capabilities while supporting the culture of community and team-member engagement in difficult times.”

In light of this change, the Board has appointed Ginger Graham, who currently serves as the Lead Independent Director of WBA, as the company’s interim CEO. Ms. Brewer has agreed to continue advising WBA during the period in which the Company conducts a search for a permanent CEO.

“Ginger is the ideal person to serve as interim CEO, given her leadership experience across multiple segments of the healthcare industry, deep knowledge of WBA, and strong operational skills,” said Mr. Pessina.

Additionally, the Company provided information regarding its financial outlook. It expects full-year 2023 adjusted EPS to be “at or near the low end of its previously stated range.”

WBA shares jumped nearly 2% on the news.