Roz Brewer will take the helm from Stefano Pessina.

Roz Brewer

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Roz Brewer, who most recently served as chief operating officer and group president at Starbucks Corp., has been appointed chief executive officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance, effective March 15. She will succeed Stefano Pessina and also join the WBA board of directors. In that role, Brewer will be the only African-American woman to head a major U.S. corporation.

The move is part of a planned transition process, under which Pessina, the driving force behind the merger of Walgreen Co. and Alliance Boots in 2014, will become executive chairman.

“The Board conducted an extensive search to identify an exceptional leader who will build on WBA’s track-record of success and take advantage of the many growth opportunities in many markets across the company. We are excited to have found that person in Roz,” says Pessina. “She is a distinguished and experienced executive who has led organizations globally through periods of changing consumer behavior by applying innovation that elevates customer experiences – ultimately driving significant and sustainable growth and value creation.

“Her relentless focus on the customer, talent development, operational rigor and strong expertise in digital and technological transformation are exactly what WBA needs as the company enters its next chapter. I look forward to working with Roz, and to continuing to partner with [chairman] Jim [Skinner] and the entire board and management team to take our company forward.”

For her part, Brewer notes, “WBA is a world-class and trusted organization whose purpose I deeply admire. The health care industry is constantly evolving, and I am excited to work alongside the entire WBA team as we deliver further innovation and positively impact the lives of millions of people around the world every day. This is especially true today as the company plays a crucial role in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. I step into this role with great optimism for the future of WBA, a shared responsibility to serve our customers, patients and communities, and a commitment to drive long-term sustainable value for shareholders.”

At Starbucks, Brewer was responsible for the company’s operating businesses across the Americas and Starbucks license stores, as well as marketing, technology, supply chain, product innovation and store development functions around the world.

Before joining the specialty coffee retailer, Roz served as president and chief executive officer of Sam’s Club, the membership club division of Walmart, where she was the first woman and the first African-American to head a major division. In fiscal 2016, the last before Brewer left to join Starbucks, Sam’s Club generated sales of $57 billion.

Brewer joined Walmart in 2006 as regional vice president and later became president of Walmart East. Prior to Walmart, she worked at Kimberly-Clark Corp. for 22 years, starting as a scientist and ultimately serving as president of the global nonwovens sector.