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PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former Walgreen Co. president and chief executive officer Greg Wasson received the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award, the chain drug industry’s top honor, from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores at the NACDS Annual Meeting.
Former Walgreen Co. president and chief executive officer Greg Wasson received the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award, the chain drug industry’s top honor, from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores at the NACDS Annual Meeting.
NACDS also presented David Heist, director of industry affairs and customer relations at Bayer Consumer Care, and Lou Martire, vice president of trade and industry development for Energizer Household Products, the Robert B. Begley Award for their contributions to the industry.
"Greg Wasson is fully-deserving of this lifetime recognition award," NACDS president and CEO Steven Anderson said at the awards presentation. "He has served the industry for more than 35 years with a strong commitment and passion for pharmacy, patients and customers. I valued Greg’s astute industry vision when we worked together during his tenure as NACDS chairman. And tonight we congratulate him on this distinctive pharmacy honor."
The Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award, named in honor of Sheldon "Bud" Fantle of People’s Drug Stores, recognizes exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the industry.
Wasson began his career as a Walgreens pharmacist in 1980 and during his nearly 35 years of service held several executive positions at the company, including president of Walgreens Health Initiatives, senior vice president and executive vice president at Walgreens, president and chief operating officer of Walgreens from May 2007 to February 2009, and thereafter as president and CEO of Walgreens. He retired as Walgreens president and CEO in December 2014. During his industry career, he also served as chairman of the NACDS board of directors.
The Robert Begley Award is named in memory of former NACDS chairman Robert Begley and honors individuals who possess qualities of great personal warmth, generous spirit in providing long-time service to the chain drug industry.
"With combined experience that surpasses 75 years in the industry, David Heist and Lou Martire are true leaders who have set the bar high for the work they have done to further the industry," Anderson commented. "Their service, commitment and dedication are examples to those who will continue to serve the industry in years to come. We congratulate them on receiving the Robert B. Begley Award and wish them well in their well-deserved retirements."
Heist, who has announced he will retire this May, has served 20 years in his current post at Bayer Consumer Care. Before joining Bayer, he held sales and trade relations positions at a range of companies, including SmithKline, Menley & James, Alco Standard, Vita-Fresh Vitamin
Also slated to retire in May is Martire, after 42 years of service at Energizer. He has served in positions of increasing responsibility at Energizer since starting at the company in 1972.