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Boots has announced that Currys chief executive Alex Baldock is to become its new CEO in the autumn, replacing managing director Anthony Hemmerdinger. 

Mr Baldock has been at Currys since 2018, when he replaced Seb James – who also left the technology retailer to head up Boots for several years before Mr Hemmerdinger took on the mantle in late 2024. 

Boots announced Mr Baldock’s upcoming appointment this morning (May 14) a day after it was reported by Sky News. 

He is credited with boosting profits at Currys in his time there, having shuttered over 500 Carphone Warehouse stores and resisted takeover attempts by a hedge fund.  

In a statement, the Boots Group board of directors thanked Mr Hemmerdinger for his “commitment and dedication,” adding: “His leadership has been pivotal in establishing The Boots Group as a standalone, private company and in reinforcing Boots’ leading position in beauty, health and wellness – demonstrated by 20 consecutive quarters of like-for-like retail share growth and customer satisfaction improvements.” 

Mr Baldock said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be joining Boots as CEO.

“Boots is an iconic, trusted brand with a strong heritage, and plays such an important role in millions of customers’ lives. 

“This is an exciting new chapter for Boots, which is uniquely well positioned to meet customers’ growing needs in beauty, health and wellness. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team and our colleagues to make the most of this exceptional opportunity.”

The company’s board of directors added: “As we look ahead, we are fully committed to continuing to offer an outstanding experience for all our communities and strongly believe in the opportunity for significant long-term growth at Boots. 

“Alex is an experienced, transformational leader with a track record of success and we are delighted he will be joining us as we embark on our next phase of transformation, growth and investment.”

Boots UK, which was bought by private equity firm Sycamore in 2025 and spun off from its US parent as a standalone business, could be sold off or listed on the stock exchange in 2027 according to recent reports.