New and notable appointments at McGreals, Boots Ireland, and Logistics Executive Group

Picture: Stephen Watkins, Managing Director, Boots Ireland

This week sees new and notable appointments at McGreals, Boots Ireland, and Logistics Executive Group.

Deirdre Devitt, CEO for Novaerus at McGreals brand,
McGreals

Deirdre Devitt, CEO for Novaerus at McGreals brand, McGreals. By Iain White Photography.

McGreals Group has announced the appointment of Deirdre Devitt to the position of CEO for the Novaerus at McGreals brand. The McGreals Group is headquartered in Blessington, Wicklow, and operates 11 pharmacy outlets as well as a primary care centre in the Leinster area.

In her new position, Ms Devitt will be focused on growth strategies for the Novaerus range of portable air dis-infection products, with responsibility for developing sales across a range of sectors including hospitality, education, retail, business, consumer, and healthcare.

Prior to joining the McGreals Group, Ms Devitt held the role of Corporate Partnerships Manager at ALONE, with responsibility for corporate fundraising and CSR programs in support of the charity. With a background spanning financial services, business process outsourcing and hospitality sectors, she has held a number of senior roles including Chair of The Licensed Vintners Association in its bicentenary year 2016 to 17.

A graduate of University College Dublin, Ms Devitt holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics and Italian.

Stephen Watkins, Managing Director,
Boots Ireland

Stephen Watkins, Managing Director, Boots Ireland

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 2,000+ colleagues across the company’s network of 89 stores and Head Office in Ireland.

Watkins has had a successful  twenty 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. He is a qualified pharmacist and has held various roles both in stores and within Head Office. Watkins 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.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Watkins, Managing Director, Boots Ireland said: “I am delighted to have taken up the role of Managing Director at Boots Ireland.  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.

Au Kah Soon, Associate Director Asia & Oceania,
Logistics Executive Group

Au Kah Soon, Associate Director Asia & Oceania, Logistics Executive Group

Logistics Executive Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Singapore based Au Kah Soon as Associate Director, Asia & Oceania. Kah Soon has previously worked with the company on diverse logistics, M&A and business advisory projects over the past several years. Mr Au is a seasoned Finance Strategist, Marketing and Supply Chain Consultant who specialises in partnering with Board Directors, C Level Executives and Entrepreneurs to grow and streamline their businesses.