Currys Chief Executive Alex Baldock to Join Boots as Chief Executive

Boots has appointed Alex Baldock to become chief executive of the high street healthcare and beauty chain later this year. Baldock currently serves as chief executive of Currys and will take up the role in autumn, succeeding Anthony Hemmerdinger, who is senior vice president and managing director of Boots in the UK and Ireland.

Baldock recently announced plans to step down from Currys after eight years for a new opportunity outside the company. His predecessor at Currys, when it was known as Dixons Carphone, also joined Boots in 2018 and left that role in 2024. Baldock said he was honoured to be joining Boots.

"Boots is an iconic, trusted brand with a strong heritage and plays such an important role in millions of customers’ lives," Baldock said.

The leadership change occurs during a period of transition for Boots. The company was sold by Walgreens Boots Alliance to private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $10 billion (£7.4 billion). The transaction created a new UK-based business that includes Boots UK and Ireland, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company, and pharmacies in Thailand, Mexico and Germany.

Stefano Pessina and his family retained a stake in the business as part of the sale. Last month, reports indicated that the owners have been working on a strategy overhaul ahead of a potential stock market listing, which could take place as soon as 2027.

Retail analysts have indicated the company could be valued at between £5 billion and £7 billion in a public listing. In a statement, the Boots Group board of directors said it remained committed to offering an outstanding experience for all communities and believed in the opportunity for significant long-term growth at Boots.

Prior to joining Currys, Baldock was chief executive of Shop Direct, now called Very Group, and managing director of Lombard.