Boots drafts in ex-Dunelm director as retail chief

Peter Bowrey, who formerly held the same role at homewares retailer Dunelm, will join Boots next week. He replaces Andrew Caplan, who is moving into the role of director of retail operations.

He joins as Boots, owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance, seeks to turn around its operations after profits plunged by almost 20% last year. He is one of several new executives at the health and beauty giant.

Former Dixons Carphone chief executive Seb James took the helm at Boots last year, and other recent arrivals include Tracey Clements, the former Tesco convenience boss who is now Boots’ chief operating officer.

The retailer has been reviewing its store estate and could ultimately close about 200 branches, equating to about 10% of its estate.

It has also launched a raft of initiatives designed to enhance its appeal.

Earlier this year it created a partnership with Rihanna’s cult cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty.

In the summer Boots unveiled a new-look store in London’s Covent Garden which it hopes will be a blueprint for the rest of its estate. The shop incorporated a raft of new brands and services, with an enmphasis on wellness.