Boots announces senior management shake-up
Two directors depart in move to focus leadership
October 28 2003
Boots has announced a senior management restructuring designed to “simplify and focus” the leadership of the business
The move is the first major sign of the approach being taken by new chief executive Richard Baker, who joined from Asda two months ago.
David Kneale, currently chief operating officer, takes up the new role of chief commercial officer with responsibility for trading, marketing and store formats. A new role of retail director will also be created.
Paul Bateman, currently operations director, takes a new combined role with responsibility for human resources, logistics and manufacturing.
Howard Dodd, chief financial officer, takes the responsibility of the retailer’s property portfolio.
Andy Smith, board director for HR, has resigned and will be leaving the business with immediate effect. Also leaving is Ann Francke, strategic marketing director, leaves the business today.
Baker said: “The smaller executive team will help us speed up the progress we are already making on re-focusing and re-energising our business. As part of that, I am very sorry to be losing two members of our team and I would like to thank them both for their major contributions to the business.”
