Personnel Updates:
24 Hour Fitness announced the appointment of Mark Smith as CEO, John Tovar as Senior VP Club Operations, Richard Boyd as Senior VP Business Development, Jane Borden as Senior VP Real Estate, Tom Lapcevic as Exec VP Legal, Jason Stella as President Fitness, Lashaun Dale as VP, Group X Creative, and Mike Carney as VP Marketing.
Cardinal Health announced that Michael Kaufmann has been named CFO of the company effective Nov. 11. This follows the previously announced planned retirement of current CFO Jeffrey Henderson. Jon Giacomin has been named to the role of CEO of the pharmaceutical segment, currently held by Mike Kaufmann, also effective Nov. 11.
CVS Health has named Mary Langowski Exec VP for Strategy, Policy and Market Development, effective Oct. 14.
General Nutrition Inc. announced Chief Merchandising Officer and General Manager Thomas Dowd has resigned. The company is also still searching for a CFO to replace Michael Nuzzo.
Kroger has tapped Kevin Dougherty, formerly Group VP and Chief Supply Chain Officer, to lead the company’s new Vitacost.com division as Group VP of Digital and Vitacost.
Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation announced Senior VP, Treasurer, Investor Relations, Corporate Affairs, John Caplice, has left the company.
SureScripts announced the company has brought on Tom Skelton as its new CEO.
The Vitamin Shoppe announced CEO Tony Truesdale plans to retire June 27, 2015.
Financial Focus:
Walgreen Company announced fiscal year-end sales increased 5.8% to $76.4 billion.
Mergers and Acquisitions:
CVS Health has completed the purchase of Miami-based Navarro Discount Pharmacies.
US Fitness Holdings LLC announced it has acquired Sport & Health, McLean VA, and has added the company to its portfolio of clubs in Virginia and the Washington, DC, area.
Industry Insight:
CVS Health has entered into a new clinical affiliation with MedStar Health, a healthcare system with 10 hospitals in Maryland and the Washington, DC region.
CVS Health announced MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics have opened inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in the St. Louis, MO metro area. The new clinics are located in Creve Coeur, Ellisville, O’Fallon, St. Peters and St. Louis (Mehlville).
Meijer Inc. announced the availability of this season’s annual flu shot, noting that the back-to-school season is an ideal time to get vaccinated against influenza.
Walgreens’ Group VP Pharmaceutical Development, Gerry Gleeson, was presented the IMS Health Bernie Greenberg Pharmacy Partnership Award.
Walgreen Company announced Duane Reade stores will be co-branded. Most new or remodeled Duane Reade’s will display co-branded logos to include “by Walgreens”.
Walmart opened two Walmart Care Clinics in Columbus and Carrollton, GA, on Aug. 29. Another four locations are slated to open by year-end.
Real Estate:
Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Inc. announced the opening of Pharmaca Wellness & Natural Beauty in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, WA.
Fred’s Inc. today reported plans to close 60 stores without pharmacies by the end of the year, freeing up capital for an acceleration of its pharmacy acquisitions.
xSport will add three new clubs, one each in Melrose Park, IL; the Bronx, NY; and Washington, DC.
Shoppers Drug Mart has unveiled its enhanced beautyBOUTIQUE at Chinook Centre in Calgary, AB, marking the company’s fourth location.
Ulta Beauty announced a five-year strategic plan that includes opening some 100 stores annually.
Technology News:
CVS Health and Walgreens are both expected to accept purchases made with the new iPhone payment system.
