Wanliss comes from MH Alshaya Co, a leading international franchise operator with over 3,900 stores across diverse sectors, where he has been vice president for Boots Middle East since May 2011. The new managing director has over 40 years experience in the retail industry and began his career with Arcadia Group as store manager, followed by leadership roles with Woolworths and Cooperative Pharmacy. 

Dean Thompson, who has led Boots Retail Thailand since January 2015, will continue working with the company and focus on developing a partnership with the Chinese retail pharmacy chain GuoDa.