Nottingham Business School Business Leaders · 2026-04-01 · 25 min
Episode 79 SUMMARY Anthony Hemmerdinger - The dangers of living on past glories Anthony Hemmerdinger is one of the UK retail sector’s most experienced operators. As MD of Boots UK, he leads a business that has been at the heart of the high street for more than 175 years. In Episode 79 of the Nottingham Business School Business Leaders’ Podcast, he reflects on a career spanning more than three decades with brands including Boots, Asda and Marks & Spencer - and on his journey from Saturday shop floor assistant to Managing Director. Speaking to Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi, he discusses the future of the high street, the importance of human connection in retail, and the challenge of modernising heritage brands without losing their identity. He also shares his leadership insights, talking about clarity, honesty and the day he turned up at a store just after staff had been told about redundancies. Reflecting on the pace of transformation in retail, he says: “If we do not change… if we do not evolve… we will not be here!” INTRODUCTION • Anthony Hemmerdinger was appointed Managing Director of Boots UK & Ireland, in November 2024.
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