Celesio UK has appointed a new chief executive officer (CEO).

Toby Anderson, who worked at health and beauty retailer A.S. Watson Group for 12 years before being appointed its CEO for Asia and Eastern Europe in 2016, will join Celesio UK from September 2018.

Leadership roles 

Mr Anderson brings with him leadership experience he acquired while being in charge of 3,300 stores including 1,500 pharmacies, in his former position.

As a graduate recruit to Sainsbury’s, his skills led him through the ranks to general manager of its petrol stations and later online businesses before he relocated to Asia in 2005.

Since then, his roles have included country management roles and eight years as marketing director for Asia and Eastern Europe where he conducted brand relaunches across 12 markets including the introduction of new store formats, websites and loyalty programmes.

Evolving into 'agile business'

Commenting on his appointment, Celesio parent company McKesson Europe's management board chairman Brian Tyler said:  'We are evolving into an agile business that can respond to changing customer behaviour, play a larger role in the health of our communities, take advantage of technological advancements and react to legislative changes.

'Toby is committed to navigating the current and future challenges that our company faces and helping us to truly transform healthcare in the UK.'