Walgreens Names John Standley President

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has named John Standley president of Walgreens, effective immediately.

Standley, most recently president, CEO and chairman of Rite Aid Corp., will be tasked with delivering on the company’s four key strategic priorities: creating neighborhood health destinations, driving cost transformation, accelerating digitalization and restructuring Walgreens retail offering.

Prior to Rite Aid, Standley was CEO of Pathmark Stores, and he’s held leadership roles in several other grocery and retail companies. He is also a former chair of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS).

He will report to WBA COO Alex Gourlay, who had been serving as president on an interim basis.  Stefano Pessina recently stepped down as CEO of WBA.

“John’s leadership experience and strong understanding of our industry and the U.S. healthcare markets will allow him to hit the ground running, drive our transformation and fulfill our purpose to help people lead healthier and happier lives across America,” said Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “Walgreens’ essential role in the healthcare delivery system and in the lives of millions of Americans has never been more important as we continue to work our way through the pandemic together. I’m confident John will build on and grow our momentum at Walgreens, and help us compete and win even more in the marketplace.”

“I’m very excited to join the team and lead the iconic Walgreens brand,” said Standley. “I’m looking forward to accelerating execution of the strategic vision for the future of Walgreens. My top priorities will be meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers, patients, team members and the communities we serve during these challenging times, and ensuring that Walgreens fulfills its full potential as one of America’s most admired and trusted companies.”

WBA employs more than 440,000 people and has more than 18,750 stores.