Global retail and wholesale pharmacy giant Walgreen Boots Alliance announced this week that its Global Chief of Human Resources Kathleen Wilson-Thompson (above, left) will be retiring in January 2021, to be succeeded by Pamela Puryear (above, right).

Puryear, who will join Walgreen Boots Alliance on January 18, has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and medical industry. She is currently Chief Human Resources Officer at medical device company Zimmer Biomet, a position she has held for two years. Prior to that, she was Chief Talent Officer at pharmaceutical firms Pfizer and Hospira.

“I am tremendously excited to join Walgreens Boots Alliance at a time when the company’s purpose to help people across the world lead healthier and happier lives has never felt stronger or more relevant,” Puryear said of her appointment. “I look forward to working with our colleagues around the globe to make a positive impact for employees as well as the customers and patients we serve.”

Outgoing Global CHRO Wilson-Thompson has been with Walgreen Boots Alliance since its formation in 2014 from the merger of US-based pharmacy store chain Walgreen and its European counterpart Alliance Boots. Before the merger, she was Chief Human Resources Officer of Walgreen, and prior to that she headed global human resources for Kellogg Company.

Crediting Wilson-Thompson for her leadership during the COVID-19 crisis, Walgreen Boots Alliance Co-Chief Operating Officer Ornella Barra said: “Never has Kathleen’s contribution to the company been stronger than in 2020, whether leading Human Resources actions during the pandemic or being a strong voice for all during the racial equity movement. Kathleen has been a trusted leader, advocate for change, driver of business transformation, and more to so many of us over the years, and she will be missed greatly at WBA.”