PALM BEACH, Fla. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) proudly honored Martin Otto, former chief operating officer of H-E-B and NACDS chair from 2016 to 2017, with the distinguished Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award during the Tuesday business program of the 2025 NACDS Annual Meeting. This award recognizes Otto’s exceptional leadership and enduring contributions to the chain pharmacy industry and the advancement of healthcare nationwide.
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Otto’s remarkable career at H-E-B spans over 30 years, marked by progressive leadership roles including chief merchant, chief financial officer, and chief operating officer. Throughout his tenure, Otto demonstrated a steadfast commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and the integration of pharmacy services within a broader healthcare framework. As NACDS chair, he championed a bold vision that highlighted the critical intersections of healthcare quality, access, and affordability, advocating tirelessly for pharmacy’s expanded role in improving patient outcomes across the country.
Under Otto’s leadership, H-E-B set a standard for blending retail success with health and wellness innovation. He spearheaded initiatives that strengthened customer loyalty and enhanced operational efficiency, including strategic acquisitions and digital transformation projects. Otto’s leadership, defined by integrity and collaboration, positioned H-E-B as a trusted community partner and a leader in pharmacy services.
The Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 1989 and renamed in 1996 to honor Bud Fantle of People’s Drug Stores, represents the highest honor in chain pharmacy. It recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, generosity of spirit, and long-term dedication to the industry. Otto joins an esteemed group of past recipients who have shaped the future of pharmacy and healthcare.
Steven C. Anderson, NACDS president and CEO, reflected on Otto’s impact: “In many ways, Martin was among those who paved the way for the NACDS Health and Wellness Innovation Initiative, which is a top priority today. When you hear NACDS talking about healthcare disruption, focusing on health span in addition to life span, the NACDS Food is Medicine Initiative, and the NACDS Nourish My Health public education initiative... these are all legacies of Martin's leadership.”
Otto has been a thoughtful advocate on healthcare and on its inter-relationship with broader societal issues. He has drawn attention to the “vicious socioeconomic cycle” in U.S. healthcare, where high costs constrain resources for education and poverty reduction, perpetuating poor health results. His efforts to elevate pharmacy’s role in healthcare reform have influenced policy and industry strategies alike, underscoring his commitment to meaningful change.
“I can think of many characteristics that define Martin. In our visits to members of Congress in Washington D.C., he showed the ability to look into a legislator’s mind and heart. He can discern their level of understanding and passion for our agenda. He also has the ability to examine our many complex issues, and to distill them into the decision points that matter. And perhaps one of Martin’s greatest legacies is that he was talking about the full orbit of issues affecting health and wellness, before many others,” said Anderson.
The NACDS Annual Meeting remains the premier forum for pharmacy and retail leaders to collaborate and innovate, driving forward the industry’s mission to meet the evolving needs of patients and consumers. The Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to the leadership and service that propel this industry forward.
