Boots Ireland appoints Stephen Watkins as managing director

New MD of Boots Ireland Stephen Watkins will oversee its pharmacy-led health and beauty retail operations nationwide.

With a 20-year tenure at Boots in the UK, Stephen Watkins has held a number of positions, most recently as director of pharmacy and digital healthcare

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Boots Ireland has appointed Stephen Watkins as managing director to oversee its pharmacy-led health and beauty retail operations nationwide. Watkins will have responsibility for leading the team of more than 2,000 colleagues across the company’s network of 89 stores and head office in Ireland.

Watkins has had a successful 20 year tenure at Boots in the UK where he has held a number of positions, most recently as director of pharmacy and digital healthcare, where he was responsible for the Boots prescription service as well as leadership of digital healthcare initiatives. A qualified pharmacist who has held various roles both in stores and within head office, he has relocated to Ireland to take up the role of managing director and will be based in the business’ head office in City West.

Watkins has led a diverse range of projects within Boots including the development of the first digital health platform for Boots. He has also played a leadership role negotiating with the Scottish government to develop the pharmacy contract in Scotland.

“I am delighted to have taken up the role of managing director at Boots Ireland,” Stephen Watkins said of his appointment. “I would like to thank our colleagues, who provide exceptional customer and patient care, and look forward to working with them in my new role. As the world continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic there is a need for us to continually re-assess our customer offering.  My experience in pharmacy and digital health will help in navigating these challenges as we continue to deliver products and services that are fit for purpose during these challenging times.”

Stephen Watkins replaces Bernadette Lavery who takes up a new role as director of pharmacy with Boots UK.

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