Former Obama advisor joins Walgreens board
Valerie Jarrett has been appointed to the board of Walgreens Boots Alliance’s board of directors.
She is the first African-American woman appointed to the Walgreens’ board and the fourth woman on the current board. Jarrett will join the board’s audit committee and compensation and leadership performance committee, effective immediately. She joins as an independent director and becomes the board’s eleventh member.
Jarrett was a senior advisor in the White House from 2009 to 2017, where she co-chaired the transition team for the new Obama administration, oversaw the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls.
Additionally, she served as CEO of The Habitat Company, deputy chief of staff for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and chair of the Chicago Transit Board.
Jarrett will bring important perspective and business experience to the company’s board, Walgreens said. Her appointment will also provide further momentum to meet WBA’s diversity and inclusion goals, which are a top priority for the company.
“Valerie is an outstanding addition to our board,” said James Skinner, executive chairman, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “She is a deeply influential and highly admired leader. Our company will benefit greatly from her wide and diverse experience at a time when our essential healthcare role in the 25 countries where we operate has never been more important.”
Jarrett currently serves on the boards of directors of Lyft, Ralph Lauren and 2U, as well as two private companies, Ariel Investments and Sweetgreen.
“It is a true honor to join the Walgreens Boots Alliance board as the company continues to transform to meet the rapidly-evolving health and well-being needs of millions of patients and customers,” said Jarrett. “I am looking forward to working with the entire board and management team in support of the company’s iconic brands, while helping to drive growth and shareholder value.”