Starbucks COO Roz Brewer becomes Walgreens New Chief Executive

Walgreens Boots Alliance has hired Starbucks Corp. operating chief Rosalind Brewer as its next chief executive, the drugstore chain confirmed recently.

Brewer will replace Stefano Pessina as the global drugstore chain’s top executive, effective March 15. Brewer will also join Walgreens board of directors.

Pessina, who is 79 years old, announced his plans to step down as CEO in July but will retain his title as executive chairman. Pessina, who is also Walgreens largest individual shareholder, was key to the selection of Brewer, a highly respected executive and hailed for turning around Starbucks by introducing new drinks and other products while upgrading the chain’s use of technology.

In tapping Brewer, Walgreens will be getting a seasoned executive with two decades of retail and consumer experience. Brewer, who was also elevated to the Starbucks board of directors in March 2017, was president and CEO of Walmart’s Sam’s Club prior to her stint at the coffee chain.