DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has realigned its merchandising division, including a new structure for general merchandise managers and new roles for divisional merchandise managers and category managers.
Walgreen Co. has realigned its merchandising division, including a new structure for general merchandise managers and new roles for divisional merchandise managers and category managers.
Joe Magnacca, the drug chain’s president for daily living products and solutions, outlined the personnel changes late last Friday.
Under the new organization, the company has three general merchandise managers: Steve Broughton, who is responsible for food, beverages and household consumables; Shannon Curtin (formerly Petree), who oversees beauty, personal care and seasonal products; and Robert Tompkins, who handles health and wellness, front-end services and general merchandise.
All three, who are also divisional vice presidents, will continue to report to Bryan Pugh, vice president of merchandising and chief merchandising officer.
Magnacca said that by the end of the day on Monday, Walgreens’ partners in the vendor community will be able to access that information, along with the new roles for divisional merchandise managers and category managers, on the retailer’s SupplierNet extranet.
As part of the reorganization, Frank Grilli will lead the expansion of the company’s regional buying program as divisional vice president and general merchandise manager for regional procurement.
"We have piloted this program in three markets and will be expanding it over the coming months, providing additional buying support, economies of scale and governance to our local markets," noted Magnacca. "Frank will bring his deep store experience as well as buying expertise to this important new role in our organization."
Grilli will report to Mark Scharbo, vice president of inventory strategy, as will Steve Lubin, divisional vice president and general merchandise manager for non-mainland sourcing.
The leadership team that Magnacca heads has been expanded to include Moe Alkemade, who is now vice president of retail brands and global sourcing, and Rachel Bishop, vice president of daily living strategy and business development. Pugh and Scharbo will also continue to report to Magnacca.
"Moe, previously our general merchandise manager of private brands, will continue to be responsible for managing our private brand business, including for Duane Reade, and will also be responsible for expanding our global sourcing capabilities to allow us to stay competitive within the industry," said Magnacca.
"Rachel, previously our divisional vice president of strategic planning and analysis, will take on an expanded role that encompasses merchandising and marketing strategy, as well as support for mergers and acquisitions and other business development opportunities that support our daily living business objectives. She will continue to manage pricing, promotional strategy and capability development in addition to her new responsibilities."
The changes in the merchandising division are designed to enable Walgreens to accelerate its strategy to become consumers’ first choice for health and daily living products and services.
