Boots UK managing director Sebastian James is to leave the company in November to run a chain of ophthalmology clinics, it has been revealed. 

Mr James’ exit from the company was officially announced this morning (Monday July 1) after Sky News first reported it on Saturday, shortly after it emerged that the multiple’s parent company, Walgreens Boots Alliance, is set to abandon plans to sell off Boots. 

Having handed in his notice, Mr James will carry on with Boots until November, when he is set to join Veonet, a pan-European eye surgery chain that operates in the UK as SpaMedica. Boots has begun its efforts to recruit a replacement for Mr James. 

Mr James said: “It has been a pleasure to lead this fantastic company and support its transformation during my time as managing director. 

“I look forward to seeing the business continue to succeed under its excellent leadership team.”

WBA chief operating officer Ornella Barra commented: "On behalf of all colleagues at WBA and Boots, I would like to thank Seb for his role in the success of the business over the past years. 

“We thank Seb for his commitment – together with the Boots leadership team – to delivering a strong platform for success and sustainable, long-term growth, and wish him all the best for his next endeavour.”