Walgreens Boots Alliance appoints William Shrank to board of directors
Walgreens Boots Alliance has appointed William H. Shrank to the company’s board of directors. Shrank is globally recognized for his leadership and expertise in healthcare strategy, policy and population health. He joins the WBA board at an important time as the company strengthens its business.
Currently, Shrank is a venture partner with the Bio + Health Team of Andreesen Horowitz, a private venture capital firm, a role he has held since January 2023. He previously served in a number of senior leadership roles with Fortune 50 companies including chief medical officer for Humana and chief scientific officer and CMO of provider innovation for CVS Health.
“Dr. Shrank is a strategic, experienced healthcare leader and I am proud to have him on our board as we execute the turnaround plan for our business,” said Tim Wentworth, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance. “As the healthcare and retail landscapes continue to evolve and we further enhance our focus and sharpen execution, I am confident that his background will help us elevate the value of community pharmacy and unlock opportunities for our long-term strategy.”
[Read more: Walgreens Boots Alliance reportedly exploring $4B plus sale of Shields Health Solutions]
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Shrank to the WBA Board of Directors,” said Stefano Pessina, executive chairman of Walgreens Boots Alliance. “I look forward to working with Dr. Shrank and know that his clinical and business insights, experience and patient-centric approach will be a strong asset for WBA driving long-term value for our patients, customers and shareholders.”
Prior to joining Andreesen Horowitz, Shrank served as chief medical officer of Humana, a leading care delivery and health plan administration company, from April 2019 to August 2022. His responsibilities included implementing Humana’s integrated care delivery strategy with an emphasis on advancing the company’s clinical capabilities and improving the health outcomes of its members. He also led Humana’s Care Delivery Organization, clinical operations and population health strategy.
Previously, Shrank served as chief medical officer, insurance services division, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from April 2016 to February 2019. From 2013 to 2016, Shrank held several leadership positions with CVS Health, including senior vice president, chief scientific officer, and chief medical officer of Provider Innovation. He also worked for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as director of the research and rapid-cycle evaluation group.
Shrank began his career as a practicing physician with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass. and as an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Brown University and an M.D. from Cornell University Medical College. He also holds an M.S. in Health Services from the University of California, Los Angeles.
“I have seen firsthand the trust and relationship patients have with their pharmacist and the critical role pharmacies serve as the front door to the healthcare system in most communities,” Shrank said. “Walgreens and Boots are trusted brands, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with leadership and the WBA board of directors to advance the company’s vision and strategy to transform healthcare delivery.”
[Watch DSN: The future of health care and pharmacy at Walgreens]
Earlier this year, WBA announced several new executive appointments to deepen the company’s healthcare expertise and position company for accelerated growth.