DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has appointed Richard Ashworth as president of Walgreens. He will oversee development of strategies and plans for all Walgreens operations and have responsibility for the leadership, development and management of the business, the company announced earlier this month.

Ashworth joined Walgreens as a service clerk 28 years ago and subsequently held a variety of positions overseeing the pharmacy, retail, health care commercial and other business segments. At the time of his promotion, Ashworth was serving as director of operations.

He holds a master’s degree in business administration and a Pharm.D. Ashworth serves as vice chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and will assume the board’s chairmanship this April.

“Richard is a strong leader who grew up with the Walgreens brand and who has a great appreciation for its storied heritage. He truly understands our customers and is passionate about the role we play in their daily lives,” said Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of WBA. ‘We are pleased to have Richard lead the Walgreens business, and lead the charge as we create the Walgreens of the future. His experience will be incredibly valuable as we continue to accelerate our ongoing transformation to best meet the needs of our customers, communities and team members.”

Ashworth starts his new post in April and will report to Alex Gourlay, co-chief operating officer of WBA.

Gourlay has served as president of Walgreens since 2014. Moving forward, Gourlay will focus on his broader responsibilities as co-COO, with oversight of the Walgreens and Boots businesses, execution and transformation. Additionally, he will continue to oversee global operations with co-COO Ornella Barra.

“I would also like to thank Alex for his leadership and dedication through a pivotal time, following the formation of Walgreens Boots Alliance, and most recently into a period of rapid change across pharmacy and retail,” Pessina said.