Holland & Barrett today announces that Alex Gourlay will step down as Chairman, following more than three years leading the business through a significant and successful period of transformation. Alex will also step down from the Board of LetterOne.
Alex joined Holland & Barrett in early 2023 with a clear mandate to guide the business through a defined phase of transformation. Over that period, the company has delivered strongly against its three-year plan, strengthening its foundations, modernising its store estate, investing in digital and technology, and evolving its product and wellness proposition.
Under his leadership, Holland & Barrett has achieved three consecutive years of double-digit growth and expanded its international footprint. The business is also close to completing a major investment programme across stores, supply chain and digital capability, positioning it for scalable, long-term growth.
Alex Gourlay said: “It’s been a privilege to work with colleagues across Holland & Barrett and LetterOne. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past three years, building stronger foundations for the future while staying true to our purpose of helping people add quality years to life.
“I’m particularly proud of the strength of the leadership team we have in place. Anthony has done an outstanding job in stepping into the CEO role and is well positioned to lead the business through its next phase. I’m delighted that Mervyn is taking on the role of Chair and I look forward to seeing the business continue to grow and succeed.”
As Holland & Barrett moves into the next stage of its evolution, focused on scaling growth, delivering the full benefit of recent investment and continuing to build a leading, digitally-enabled wellness platform, Lord Mervyn Davies will assume the role of Chairman.
Lord Mervyn Davies is Chairman of LetterOne and one of the UK’s most experienced business leaders, with extensive board-level experience across major listed companies and the retail sector. He will continue in his role at LetterOne alongside his responsibilities at Holland & Barrett.
Lord Mervyn Davies said: “Holland & Barrett is a unique and trusted brand with a powerful purpose. It is a true high street success story with a strong digital platform, set for further growth in the UK and internationally. The progress made over recent years has created a strong platform for the future, and I’m excited to work more closely with the Board and Executive team as the business builds on that momentum.”
Anthony Houghton, Group Chief Executive Officer of Holland & Barrett, said: “Holland & Barrett is entering its next phase from a position of real strength, with the foundations now in place to scale growth and deliver the full benefit of our investments. Alex has played an important role in guiding that journey, and I’ve personally valued his support and leadership.
“As we move into this next phase, we do so with real confidence. We have a strong team, a clear strategy and a business that is better positioned than ever to support our customers’ health and wellbeing. I’m looking forward to working closely with Mervyn as Chair as we build on that momentum and continue to grow Holland & Barrett in the UK and internationally.”
Jonathan Muir, Chief Executive Officer of LetterOne added: “Alex has played a significant part in guiding both L1 and Holland & Barrett through a period of real change and progress. We are grateful for his leadership and contribution. Following H&B’s strongest ever year for trade, we are confident the business is well positioned for the future under Mervyn’s chairmanship.”
LetterOne remains a committed long-term investor in Holland & Barrett, supporting the business as it continues to grow in the UK and internationally.