Personnel Updates:

Walgreens appointed Mark Lelinski as its new Corporate VP for Market Access.

Alex Gourlay will make the transition from chief executive of Alliance Boots’ health and beauty division to Exec VP, President of Customer Experience and Daily Living. Wagreens also made several other executive announcements: Bryan Pugh becomes Corporate VP U.S. Merchandising Program Development and Execution. Moe Alkemade becomes Group VP Global Sourcing. Shannon Curtin is promoted to Group VP and GMM of Beauty. Robert Tompkins is promoted to Group VP and GMM of health and wellness. Jim Jensen becomes Divisional VP and GMM of seasonal and general merchandise. Beth Stiller is promoted to Group VP of Category Planning, Formats and Innovation. Linda Severin joins Walgreens as Divisional VP of Private Brands.

Industry Insight:

Bartell Drugs will opend its 61st store in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. The 11,600 sq.-ft. store features expanded lineups of water enhancement products and nutrition bars; a selection of locally produced and organic products; Bartell’s Urban Market, Sweets and Snacks, and Beauty departments; and a full-service pharmacy.

Walgreens is rebranding its more than 370 in-store health clinics, which will now be known as the “Healthcare Clinic.” Replacing the former Take Care Clinic name, which has stood since the brand’s inception in 2004, the national rebranding effort is already in process and expected to be complete by the end of August. In addition to branding changes in stores, consumers will be directed to visit the Healthcare Clinic’s new web site walgreens.com/clinic.

Rite Aid launched a new loyalty program for customers 65 and older, based on its earlier “wellness+” program, which it is promoted through a multi-media campaign. Beyond TV, radio and print, wellness65+ will be supported by direct and digital channels, including social media.

Mergers and Acquisitions:

Ritzman Pharmacies, which operates 20 pharmacies, including 11 pharmacies located within Buehler’s Fresh Foods Markets, is looking to acquire Mast Pharmacies.