Exclusive: Boots UK’s current chief pharmacist Marc Donovan is to take on a new role as director of healthcare development and public affairs, Pharmacy Network News understands. 

In an email seen by PNN, Walgreens Boots Alliance vice president of commercial strategy Jamie Kerruish informed staff that Mr Donovan is taking on the new brief after seven years in the superintendent role.

“Marc will be responsible for developing the vision for the future of Healthcare in Boots and the role Boots plays in community pharmacy as well as playing a key role in influencing the future of community pharmacy,” said Mr Kerruish.

He is taking the public affairs brief over from Tricia Kennerley, current VP director of international public affairs, who will retire at the end of September.

Mr Kerruish thanked Ms Kennerley “for her dedication and impeccable service to the business” and congratulated her on a career spent representing the business and “negotiating and influencing many important stakeholders”.

He also thanked Mr Donovan “for everything he has done in his role as Chief Pharmacist over the past seven years, particularly for the major role he played in supporting our customers, patients and team members throughout the Covid-19 pandemic”.

The company is recruiting for a new superintendent pharmacist, with Mr Donovan to hand over to the new hire once the appointment is made.

Meanwhile, current stores director Anne Higgins is to take on “the critical role” of pharmacy director with “end to end accountability of the prescriptions and items, and healthcare services businesses - with strategic and commercial responsibility for growing services and items”. 

It appears Ms Higgins is to assume responsibilities currently held by healthcare services director Asif Aziz, who is taking on a position “in a different sector,” said Mr Kerruish.

“Anne has held a fantastic variety of pharmacy and leadership roles within Boots, and has an exceptional reputation for relationship building skills, focus on delivery and a deep understanding of pharmacy and stores,” he added.

An announcement on Ms Higgins’ replacement will follow in due course.

A spokesperson for Boots confirmed the changes to its healthcare leadership team when approached by PNN.