Content about Larry Merlo

September 6, 2012
CVS Caremark to sponsor The Partnership at Drugfree.org campaign to curb Rx abuse

CVS Caremark announced that it has joined with a group of public and private sector partners and will sponsor the "The Medicine Abuse Project," a multiyear effort by The Partnership at Drugfree.org to raise awareness and curb the abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark announced that it has joined with a group of public and private sector partners and will sponsor the "The Medicine Abuse Project," a multiyear effort by The Partnership at Drugfree.org to raise awareness and curb the abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. The project's goal is to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicines over the next five years.

August 7, 2012
CVS Caremark's Q2 growth prompted by Walgreens-ESI stalemate

The stalemate between Walgreens and Express Scripts may have come to an end, but CVS Caremark remains optimistic and has developed a multifaceted plan to help it retain a significant number of the prescriptions gained from the impasse, CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo told analysts during Tuesday morning’s second-quarter conference call.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The stalemate between Walgreens and Express Scripts may have come to an end, but CVS Caremark remains optimistic and has developed a multifaceted plan to help it retain a significant number of the prescriptions gained from the impasse, CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo told analysts during Tuesday morning’s second-quarter conference call.

June 27, 2012
CVS Caremark names new CIO

CVS Caremark has announced the appointment of Stephen Gold as CIO.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has announced the appointment of Stephen Gold as CIO. 

Gold, who joins CVS Caremark on July 9, will focus on bringing new and differentiating technology solutions to the company's retail and pharmacy benefit management businesses.

May 10, 2012
CVS Caremark annual stockholders meeting rings optimistic tone

It was a rainy Thursday morning in Woonsocket, R.I., but that didn’t dissuade CVS Caremark stockholders from flocking to the company’s sprawling headquarters to attend its annual meeting of stockholders — an event that proved to be one filled with optimism as president and CEO Larry Merlo provided key highlights of 2011 and discussed how the company is reinventing pharmacy and capitalizing on its “integration sweet spots.”

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — It was a rainy Thursday morning in Woonsocket, R.I., but that didn’t dissuade CVS Caremark stockholders from flocking to the company’s sprawling headquarters to attend its annual meeting of stockholders — an event that proved to be one filled with optimism as president and CEO Larry Merlo provided key highlights of 2011 and discussed how the company is reinventing pharmacy and capitalizing on its “integration sweet spots.”

May 2, 2012
CVS Caremark's integrated model drives positive outcomes, fuels 'terrific' Q1

CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo told analysts Wednesday morning that he was “very pleased” with the company's first quarter, as results across both the retail and pharmacy benefit management segments came in at the high end of expectations, and its integrated assets continue to demonstrate success and improve patient lives.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo told analysts Wednesday morning that he was “very pleased” with the company's first quarter, as results across both the retail and pharmacy benefit management segments came in at the high end of expectations, and its integrated assets continue to demonstrate success and improve patient lives.

April 13, 2012
What your shoppers say about you: Meet C2B Mobile Insights

“We want to make sure we’re talking to our members where and how they want to be spoken to.”
 That was something Sam’s Club VP health and family care Jason Reiser said to me for the special report we did on the company that appeared on the cover of our April 2 issue.

“We want to make sure we’re talking to our members where and how they want to be spoken to.”


That was something Sam’s Club VP health and family care Jason Reiser said to me for the special report we did on the company that appeared on the cover of our April 2 issue. In case you missed it, you can download the full report here.


March 30, 2012
CVS Caremark announces PBM succession plan

CVS Caremark outlined succession plans for its pharmacy benefit management business as EVP and COO Jon Roberts will assume the role of president of the PBM business, effective Sept. 1.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark outlined succession plans for its pharmacy benefit management business as EVP and COO Jon Roberts will assume the role of president of the PBM business, effective Sept. 1.

January 20, 2012
10 Keys: CVS Caremark looks to unlock full potential, reinvent Rx

In this issue of DSN, we explore what we believe are 10 keys to driving growth across CVS' network and transforming the retail health landscape.

CVS Caremark is reinventing pharmacy and unlocking the full potential of its distinctive model. The company is doing this by capitalizing on what Larry Merlo, president and CEO, has referred to as “integration sweet spots,” which are capabilities unique to CVS Caremark’s integrated model. In this issue of DSN, we explore what we believe are 10 keys to driving growth across CVS' network and transforming the retail health landscape.

December 20, 2011
At Analyst Day, CVS Caremark unveils host of new initiatives across the board — front-end, pharmacy, clinics and PBM

At its annual Analyst Day in New York on Tuesday, CVS Caremark executives outlined strong growth for 2012 and unveiled several new offerings and initiatives that are expected to help drive profitable long-term growth as it works to reinvent pharmacy and focus on its “integration sweet spots.”

NEW YORK — At its annual Analyst Day in New York on Tuesday, CVS Caremark executives outlined strong growth for 2012 and unveiled several new offerings and initiatives that are expected to help drive profitable long-term growth as it works to reinvent pharmacy and focus on its “integration sweet spots.”

December 5, 2011
With Grant Pill assuming new responsibilities at CVS, 2011 shapes up to be big year for company

The year 2011 has shaped up to be quite the year for CVS Caremark, with Larry Merlo taking the helm following the retirement of Tom Ryan, longtime CVS/pharmacy executive Mike Bloom resigning and Judy Sansone assuming responsibility for the merchandising organization at CVS/pharmacy.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The year 2011 has shaped up to be quite the year for CVS Caremark, with Larry Merlo taking the helm following the retirement of Tom Ryan, longtime CVS/pharmacy executive Mike Bloom resigning and Judy Sansone assuming responsibility for the merchandising organization at CVS/pharmacy. Well, the year isn't over yet, and Grant Pill — who is regarded as a bright, young merchant — now has responsibility for one of the most critical areas of CVS' business.

November 3, 2011
CVS' Merlo: PBM continues to demonstrate success

CVS Caremark on Thursday reported solid third-quarter results — 2 cents above the high end of its guidance range — driven in large part by better-than-expected performance in its pharmacy benefit management, which is in the midst of a profit-improvement plan.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark on Thursday reported solid third-quarter results — 2 cents above the high end of its guidance range — driven in large part by better-than-expected performance in its pharmacy benefit management, which is in the midst of a profit-improvement plan.

October 11, 2011
Merlo takes the helm

CVS Caremark’s annual meeting of shareholders in May was of special importance as it marked the official retirement of former chairman and CEO Tom Ryan, who left the growing company in the hands of a strong, capable new leader — Larry Merlo.


CVS Caremark’s annual meeting of shareholders in May was of special importance as it marked the official retirement of former chairman and CEO Tom Ryan, who left the growing company in the hands of a strong, capable new leader — Larry Merlo.


“I’m passing [the company over] to a great leader, one whom I respect and who knows this business. Larry will take this company to great heights,” Ryan told shareholders in May.


October 11, 2011
PBM postioned to ‘effectively compete’

At press time, the industry was weighing the potential merger of pharmacy benefit manager rivals Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions, but executives at CVS Caremark remain more confident than ever that its PBM business is ideally positioned to “effectively compete."


At press time, the industry was weighing the potential merger of pharmacy benefit manager rivals Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions, but executives at CVS Caremark remain more confident than ever that its PBM business is ideally positioned to “effectively compete,” regardless of what federal trade regulators decide for ESI-Medco. And there’s good reason why.


October 11, 2011
Trailblazer embarks on new chapter

Over the years, CVS Caremark has grown from a go-getting New England-based regional player to a nearly $100 billion pharmacy healthcare giant known for its vertically integrated pharmacy-PBM model via the 2007 acquisition of Caremark, its highly successful loyalty card program and its innovative beauty concepts.


Over the years, CVS Caremark has grown from a go-getting New England-based regional player to a nearly $100 billion pharmacy healthcare giant known for its vertically integrated pharmacy-PBM model via the 2007 acquisition of Caremark, its highly successful loyalty card program and its innovative beauty concepts.


October 11, 2011
Urban stores, ExtraCare bolster front end

CVS Caremark may be highly focused on driving medication adherence, curbing rising healthcare costs and improving the health outcomes of its patients, but there’s no doubt that its retail segment remains a critical part of its business, as evidenced by the innovative initiatives playing out at the front end.


CVS Caremark may be highly focused on driving medication adherence, curbing rising healthcare costs and improving the health outcomes of its patients, but there’s no doubt that its retail segment remains a critical part of its business, as evidenced by the innovative initiatives playing out at the front end.


October 7, 2011
Urban stores, ExtraCare bolster front end

CVS Caremark may be highly focused on driving medication adherence, curbing rising healthcare costs and improving the health outcomes of its patients, but there’s no doubt that its retail segment remains a critical part of its business, as evidenced by the innovative initiatives playing out at the front end.


August 29, 2011
CVS Caremark's new chapter continues with appointment of CVS/pharmacy president

The news that CVS Caremark has appointed a new president of CVS/pharmacy, Mark Cosby, is yet one more page in the new chapter for the Woonsocket, R.I.-based powerhouse.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The news that CVS Caremark has appointed a new president of CVS/pharmacy, Mark Cosby, is yet one more page in the new chapter for the Woonsocket, R.I.-based powerhouse.

(THE NEWS: CVS Caremark names new president of CVS/pharmacy. For the full story, click here)

August 22, 2011
CVS Caremark names new president of CVS/pharmacy

CVS Caremark has appointed former Macy’s executive Mark Cosby as president of CVS/pharmacy, effective Oct. 1.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has appointed former Macy’s executive Mark Cosby as president of CVS/pharmacy, effective Oct. 1.

Cosby most recently served as Macy’s president of stores, where he was responsible for all Macy's store operations and support functions nationwide.

August 8, 2011
ESI-Medco not a done deal

So, who’s afraid of a bigger, badder Express Scripts-Medco? Apparently not its competitors.

So, who’s afraid of a bigger, badder Express Scripts-Medco?  Apparently not its competitors.

CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo isn’t worried about a combined ESI-Medco. “Assuming that the proposed transaction is completed, I am more confident than ever that CVS Caremark can and will effectively compete in this vibrant industry,” Merlo said to open his company’s Aug. 4 earnings call with analysts.

August 4, 2011
Merlo: CVS Caremark positioned to 'effectively compete' in PBM industry

CVS Caremark posted second-quarter results that were at the high end of its guidance and narrowed its 2011 outlook on continued confidence. But it was the pharmacy benefit management business — and the potential merger of PBM rivals Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions — that was top of mind for many industry observers, and was a topic that CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo hit head-on at the start of Thursday morning’s conference call.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark posted second-quarter results that were at the high end of its guidance and narrowed its 2011 outlook on continued confidence. But it was the pharmacy benefit management business — and the potential merger of PBM rivals Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions — that was top of mind for many industry observers, and was a topic that CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo hit head-on at the start of Thursday morning’s conference call.

July 29, 2011
Merlo to Senate committee: Lowering corporate tax rate can help reduce healthcare costs, bolster economy

Lowering the maximum corporate tax rate could allow CVS Caremark to accelerate investments in U.S. jobs, technology and infrastructure — all of which could ultimately help lower healthcare costs and bolster the economy. That was a key message that CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo had for the Senate Finance Committee during a recent hearing.

WASHINGTON — Lowering the maximum corporate tax rate could allow CVS Caremark to accelerate investments in U.S. jobs, technology and infrastructure — all of which could ultimately help lower healthcare costs and bolster the economy. That was a key message that CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo had for the Senate Finance Committee during a recent hearing.

July 28, 2011
CVS serves as title sponsor for 2011 National Urban League Conference

CVS Caremark is welcoming thousands of delegates to the 2011 National Urban League Conference as a title sponsor of the event that is taking place in Boston this week.

BOSTON — CVS Caremark is welcoming thousands of delegates to the 2011 National Urban League Conference as a title sponsor of the event that is taking place in Boston this week.

May 31, 2011
CVS Caremark lands PBM contract with FEP

In a major win for its pharmacy benefit management business, CVS Caremark will handle the $3 billion mail-order and specialty prescription drug benefit for the Federal Employee Program starting January 2012, which, for the last three years, had been handled by rival Medco Health Solutions.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In a major win for its pharmacy benefit management business, CVS Caremark will handle the $3 billion mail-order and specialty prescription drug benefit for the Federal Employee Program starting January 2012, which, for the last three years, had been handled by rival Medco Health Solutions.

May 23, 2011
Annual Meeting memories

It was a busy 2011 Annual Meeting. And DSN covered it all.

CVS Caremark’s Larry Merlo passed the NACDS chairman’s gavel to H-E-B’s Bob Loeffler. Tom Ryan and Mary Sammons were first-time-ever co-recipients of the Sheldon Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award. NACDS announced it would consolidate its show calendar in 2013. … It was a busy 2011 Annual Meeting. And DSN covered it all. If you missed our Show Dailies, click here to see what our cameras saw.

May 23, 2011
Don’t call it the end of an era

Neither one of the co-
recipients of this year’s Fantle Award would want you to call it the end of an era. 


Neither one of the co-
recipients of this year’s Fantle Award would want you to call it the end of an era.