Deerfield, Ill. - Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. has named George Fairweather, formerly group finance director of Alliance Boots, as executive VP and global CFO, effective Feb. 20. Fairweather will succeed Timothy McLevish, who served as Walgreens CFO since August 2014, where he oversaw the merger with Alliance Boots to form Walgreens Boots Alliance and served as the initial global CFO of the combined companies.
Fairweather was group finance director of Alliance Boots since its formation in July 2006. He joined Alliance UniChem in the same position in 2002 and later led the financial integration during the merger with Boots Group. Previously Fairweather was group finance director of Elementis and before that, group finance director of Dawson International. Earlier in his career, Fairweather worked for Dixons Group in the U.K. and U.S., Procter & Gamble, and KPMG Thomson McLintock.
“We welcome George to lead the Walgreens Boots Alliance global finance group as we move forward following our successful merger to create the first international pharmacy-led health, wellbeing and beauty retail enterprise,” said Jim Skinner, Walgreens Boots Alliance executive chairman. “George’s global experience and expertise, and service with Alliance Boots, will ensure an effective transition and the strong financial leadership the future combined enterprise will need going forward.
McLevish will continue with Walgreens Boots Alliance as senior advisor to the CEO for finance, integration and business development. In this role, McLevish will work closely with acting CEO Stefano Pessina and Fairweather to assist in the ongoing integration of the financial teams, the company’s cost-reduction program and business development for the future enterprise.