Industry Updates: Drug Stores and HBC Chains – March 2015

Personnel Updates

Cardinal Health announced the appointment of Nick Calla to the role of VP Industry Relations.

CVS Health announced the promotion of Josh Flum to Exec VP, Pharmacy Services, the promotion of Anita Allemand to Senior VP, Product Innovation and Development, the promotion of Grant Pill to Senior VP, Pharmacy Growth and the promotion of Cia Tucci to VP, Store Brands.

H2O Plus announced the appointment of Joy Chen as the company’s new President and CEO.

McKesson Canada announced the promotion of Richard Brennan to Senior VP Retail.  The company also announced the appointment of Todd Baldanzi as Senior VP and CFO, the promotion of Paula Keays to Senior VP, Pharmaceutical Distribution and Operations; and the appointment of Dimitris Polygenis as Senior VP, Purchasing and Manufacturer Solutions.

SpartanNash announced Derek Jones has been promoted to President, Wholesale and Distribution Operations and Dave Staples has been appointed COO.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Diplomat Pharmacy announced the acquisition of the specialty pharmacy BioRx, including 7 locations. BioRx cofounders, Rielly and Eric Hill have made multiyear commitments to help lead the combined organization going forward.

Walgreens and Lovelace Retail Pharmacy announced Walgreens will acquire Lovelace’s 11 retail pharmacy locations in New Mexico. Five of the Lovelace Pharmacy locations will be converted to Walgreens pharmacies upon close of the transaction. Current plans call for closure of the six remaining locations by April 8.

Real Estate

Vitamin Shoppe Inc. announced it expects to open about 60 new stores during fiscal 2015.