Walgreens enhances leadership team with former Starbucks, CVS execs

Walgreens Boots Alliance has made two key executive leadership positions as new CEO Roz Brewer continues to put her stamp on the global chain.

The company appointed Holly May as executive VP and global chief human resources officer, and Anita Allemand to the newly created role of chief transformation and integration officer. Both will report to Brewer — the former COO of Starbucks who took the reins at WBA in March — as members of her leadership team. 

Most recently, May served as global chief human resources officer for Abercrombie & Fitch Co., managing all aspects of HR and environmental, social and governance efforts across the company. She previously worked for Starbucks as senior VP of global total rewards and service delivery, responsible for consulting with the company’s board and executive leadership team on the strategic direction of Starbucks’ global compensation and benefits portfolio.

At WBA, May will be responsible for the strategy and direction of innovative global HR programs, policies and practices that support WBA’s business goals and initiatives, and for ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all team members.

Allemand, a pharmacist by trade, most recently served as senior VP of health solutions for Optum, a UnitedHealth Group company, responsible for an expansive product portfolio including health and wellness, consumer advocacy and navigation, case and chronic condition management, cost of care reduction across total healthcare and more. She previously spent 16 years with CVS Health in a number of leadership positions, most recently serving as senior VP, product innovation and development.

At WBA, Allemand will be responsible for supporting Brewer as a strategic thought leader, and to establish and lead the overall transformation agenda for WBA as the company prioritizes its strategy and path forward in healthcare.

“Holly and Anita are both strong and proven leaders joining us at a pivotal, exciting time, and I’m pleased to welcome them to the WBA family,” Brewer said. “Holly brings a wealth of global human resources experience and will play a critical role in activating our purpose, vision and values as part of our new culture. And as we further innovate to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers and patients, Anita’s leadership, pharmacy expertise and passion for healthcare innovation will be instrumental in accelerating our strategies to serve as a neighborhood health destination.”

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WBA has a presence in more than 25 countries, employs more than 450,000 people and has more than 21,000 stores.