DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance is searching for a new chief executive officer following last month’s announcement that Stefano Pessina will step down from that role. Once a new CEO is appointed, Pessina will become executive chairman, succeeding Jim Skinner, who will remain on the board of directors to help facilitate a smooth leadership transition.

Under the leadership of Pessina — who had been executive vice chairman and CEO — and Skinner, WBA successfully completed a number of strategic partnerships and acquisitions, and was modernized, prepared for the future, and reorganized for more efficiencies and effectiveness. Since the merger of Walgreens and Alliance Boots in December 2014, WBA has delivered extensive benefits to customers, patients, local communities and its shareholders, including the execution on its four key strategic priorities: creating neighborhood health destinations, driving cost transformation, accelerating digitalization and restructuring its retail offering.

“I want to thank our team members around the world for their extensive achievements in the last five years, as we have fulfilled our purpose to help people lead healthier and happier lives,” said Pessina. “I look forward to continuing to serve the company as executive chairman, and to helping to ensure the success of the new chief executive officer in every way possible. I am also very glad that Jim and I will continue to work together on the board and, on behalf of the entire company, we greatly appreciate all his contributions during his time as executive chairman.”

“It has been an enormous privilege to work with Stefano, the board of directors and all our employees during my time as executive chairman,” said Skinner. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity, as well as the chance to continue to serve as a board member in the future. Together, we have built our company into a global leader in retail and wholesale pharmacy. As the health care industry and consumer behavior continue to advance quickly, we look forward to a new CEO joining the team with the deep expertise and skill set to drive future success as we move into a new chapter of our company’s very long and proud history.”

Including equity method investments, WBA has a presence in more than 25 countries, employs more than 440,000 people and has more than 18,750 stores.