LloydsPharmacy’s parent company Celesio has snapped up rival Boots’ head of digital development Matt Poole for a newly created role.

Poole has been appointed as Celesio’s digital director and will oversee the company’s digital and ecommerce development across its UK fascias, including LloydsPharmacy.

He joins the pharmaceutical retailer from Boots, where he has acted as head of digital development since 2013.

Prior to joining Boots, Poole held various roles at betting business Ladbrokes, culminating as digital channels director.

In his new role, Poole will report to Celesio’s sales and marketing director Nigel Swift. His remit will cover overseeing and expanding LloydsPharmacy’s online capabilities, as well as AAH Pharmaceuticals and Celesio’s other UK brands.

Celesio’s UK managing director Cormac Tobin said: “I’m really excited that Matt is bringing his wealth of experience and unique thinking to our team.

His expertise and vision will be a vital asset for our business as we face into the considerable challenges impacting the sector.”

Poole added: “This is a really challenging, but exciting time for healthcare and pharmacy in particular.

“We should be looking to the digital future and finding ways to do things differently and grow our capabilities.”

LloydsPharmacy took over Sainsbury’s 281 pharmacies in September last year.