DEERFIELD, Ill. — The naming of Alex Gourlay as Walgreen Co.’s president of customer experience and daily living continues to cement the chain’s relationship with Alliance Boots GmbH.

The naming of Alex Gourlay as Walgreen Co.’s president of customer experience and daily living continues to cement the chain’s relationship with Alliance Boots GmbH.

Gourlay, who has been chief executive officer of Alliance Boots’ health and beauty division, will start in his new role October 1.

The appointment follows Walgreens and Alliance Boots’ announcement last year of a two-step integration of their companies. That process began at the end of 2012 with the establishment of a joint venture in Switzerland and the transition of key Walgreens and Alliance Boots executives to that entity.

Gourlay will report to Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson and lead an enhanced Walgreens Daily Living business operation overseeing customer experience, U.S. merchandising, marketing, customer insights, daily living products and ­promotions.

"Alex’s move to lead the Walgreens Daily Living and merchandising team represents another important step forward, and is a key part of our cultural integration," said Wasson. "At Walgreens, Alex will lead a strong Daily Living business team — which is already building momentum — to further advance our vision to be the first choice in health and daily living for everyone in America, and beyond. As he gains more experience in the U.S. market, we will be better positioned than ever to accelerate our daily living journey by combining the best practices of both Walgreens and Alliance Boots. Alex’s new position is a clear testament to the positive progress we are making in bringing our two organizations together. In the future, you can expect to hear about additional moves by both organizations to further support the combination of our two iconic brands."

Gourlay’s contribution to Alliance Boots has been "invaluable," commented Stefano Pessina, the company’s executive chairman. Pessina said he was convinced that Gourlay "will also make a huge difference in advancing the Walgreens/Alliance Boots strategic partnership."