Personnel Updates:
CVS Caremark has appointed Alan Lotvin to the position of Exec VP Specialty Pharmacy.
CVS/pharmacy expanded the role of two retail field executives as Senior VP Operations Dennis Palmer, a 37-year retail veteran, announced his retirement. Hanley Wheeler, Senior VP Operations, has assumed responsibility of CVS/pharmacy’s Western and Southwestern markets while continuing to have responsibility for the company’s retail operations in its Midwest and Southeast markets. Assuming responsibility for CVS/pharmacy’s retail operations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic is Kevin Hourican, Senior VP operations, who joined CVS/pharmacy in June 2012 from Macy’s.
Ricky’s beauty and drugstore chain announced that Catherine Moellering has joined the company as its new President and CEO.
Walgreens announced the appointment of Brad Fluegel as Senior VP and Chief Strategy Officer.

Industry Insight:
Busch’s Fresh Food Market closed the pharmacies at all its stores October 21, 2012 because of the changing healthcare industry and the complexities of managing a prescription-pharmacy business. The retailer is going to concentrate on food products and groceries, and has been working with local CVS and Rite-Aid pharmacies to handle each store’s prescription customers.

Real Estate:
Planet Fitness is expanding to Centerville, OH hoping to open in time to capitalize on New Year’s resolutions. The fitness chain has signed a 5-year lease in the Washington Park Plaza shopping center at 705 Lyons Road.