Alex Gourlay was, until May 2021, the Co-Chief Operating Officer for Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), a global integrated Healthcare, Pharmacy and Retail Leader with approximately 13,000 locations across the US, Europe and Latin America, playing a critical role in the Healthcare ecosystem. Overseeing the operations of Walgreens, Boots and the additional WBA Group functions of Information Technology, Digital and Marketing, Alex was responsible for over 300,000 colleagues including 75,000 Healthcare professionals.
Alex is a Qualified Pharmacist and Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, having been educated in his home city of Glasgow, attaining a BSc Honours in Pharmacy at Strathclyde University. In 2015 he became a Doctor of Business Administration, awarded by Nottingham Trent University for his work in both Healthcare and Retail.
Alex worked and lived in Chicago from 2013 until 2021 and during this time led the implementation of a number of large-scale community Healthcare programs, including Red Nose Day USA, Vitamin Angels, United Nations Shot at life, Chicago Heart Walk and We Teachers Education Program on behalf of Walgreens. During the global pandemic – working with the US Federal and State governments – Alex and the Walgreens team delivered the rapid and scaled roll-out of COVID testing and COVID vaccinations.
Alex originally started his career at Boots as a pharmacist and store manager, living and working in many different parts of the UK. He spent seven years leading key functions in Operations, HR, Property, Pharmacy and Healthcare and, following the purchase of Alliance Boots PLC by AB Acquisitions in 2007, he was appointed Managing Director of Boots and, in 2009, following the successful integration of the retail businesses, he became CEO of the Health and Beauty Division of Alliance Boots.
During his 45-year career in Healthcare and Retail, Alex has been a member of many boards, including the Alliance Boots Group, Innovation Associates, Retail Industry Leaders Association, World Business Chicago, Business in the Community and was on the Board and Chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
Alex has been married to his wife Margaret for over 37 years and has two daughters. He enjoys all sport, especially golf.