Francke leaves the company today after just 10 months in the post, as Boots announced a restructuring of top executives across its business.
Boots had decided not to directly replace Francke, but has instead appointed David Kneale, currently chief operating officer, to the new role of chief commercial officer, with responsibility for marketing, trading and formats.
Francke joined Boots' executive committee in February, almost a year after she left her previous post as vice-president of petcare marketing for Europe at Mars. She replaced Barry Clare, who also left the marketing job after less than a year.
Francke's departure comes in the middle of a creative review at Boots. Four agencies have been shortlisted for the creative account, worth an estimated 拢44m: incumbent J Walter Thompson; Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO; Publicis; and Mother. Boots is also planning a review of its media account, held by MindShare, although no shortlist has yet been announced.
Boots chief executive Richard Baker said: "The smaller executive team will help us speed up the progress we are already making on re-focusing and re-energising our business. As part of that, I am very sorry to be losing two members of our team and I would like to thank them both for their major contributions to the business."
HR director Andy Smith, the longest-serving board member, has resigned from the company and also leaves immediately. The HR role will now be looked after by operations director Paul Bateman, who will also be responsible for logistics and manufacturing.
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