Content about People in the News

NEW YORK — An awards celebration this fall at the University of Missouri-Kansas City will honor the co-founder of Costco Wholesale Corp., according to published reports.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Thursday that Jim Sinegal, who retired as the club retailer's CEO in January 2012, would be among the honorees of the university's 28th Annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards celebration.

Sinegal founded Issaquah, Wash.-based Costco together with Jeff Brotman in 1983. The company now operates 626 stores, including 449 in the United States.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has proposed increasing federal taxes on cigarettes, drawing criticism from tobacco companies and praise from anti-smoking groups.

As part of his proposed budget, Obama proposed raising the tax on cigarettes by 94 cents per pack, with similar increases on other tobacco products. The current tax is $1.01 per pack.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Advanced Vision Research on Monday named Diane Houtman VP professional relations. A licensed Optometrist, Houtman will serve as the medical and clinical lead for all AVR projects and will act as corporate liaison to the medical community. 

"[Houtman's] background as a clinician and business executive provides a unique perspective and skill set that will benefit our business both internally and externally with customers," stated Scott Chapman, general manager of Advanced Vision Research.  

TAMPA, Fla. — The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy has named James Smeeding its first executive director, the group said Tuesday. The announcement was made during its first Specialty Pharmacy Conference in San Diego, which drew more than 500 participants.

Smeeding is the founder of the University of Texas College of Pharmacy's Center for Pharmacoeconomic studies and has worked for a variety of companies and organizations, including the TPG National Payor Roundtable, the Jestarx Group, Digital Health Dialog and others.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Former Division I basketball player and all-pro tight end Tony Gonzalez is teaming up with Clear Men Scalp Therapy to share his tips on executing the Perfect Play during March Madness this year.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Novo Nordisk has launched a diabetes awareness sweepstakes in which the winners get a free trip to the 2013 IndyCar finale, the Danish drug maker said Friday.

The company announced that it had hired IZOD IndyCar Series Charlie Kimball as spokesman for its Race with Insulin contest. Kimball, the first licensed driver with diabetes to race at the highest level of the series, was diagnosed with the disease during a routine doctor visit in 2007 while racing in Europe and is a user of Novo Nordisk's NovoLog (insulin aspart [rDNA origin]).

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Wednesday announced additional changes at the senior level as Sam Duncan, Supervalu president and CEO, finalizes his executive leadership team.

Sherry Smith, EVP and CFO, will leave the company at the end of May. Smith has served as the company’s CFO since her appointment in December 2010. She has spent 26 years with Supervalu and previously served as SVP, finance. The company plans to announce a new CFO at a later date.

HYDERABAD, India — Indian generic drug maker Dr. Reddy's Labs has appointed G.V. Prasad as chairman of the company, Dr. Reddy's said Tuesday.

Prasad is currently vice chairman and CEO and will continue as chairman and CEO.

Meanwhile, Satish Reddy has been appointed vice chairman in addition to his current role as managing director and COO.

WASHINGTON — Three high school seniors from Topeka, Kan., won a contest that sponsors hope will lead to better health outcomes while also getting young people interested in pharmacy careers.

WASHINGTON — The head of Ahold USA's Giant-Landover banner has pledged the supermarket chain's support for the Department of Defense's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Giant-Landover, officially Giant Food of Landover, Md., said president Anthony Hucker signed a statement of support for National Guard and reserve employees at the Brentwood Giant Food in Washington, accompanied by ESGR District of Columbia chairman George Alexander. Established in 1972, the ESGR develops and maintains employer support for the Guard and Reserve service.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Thursday promoted Paul Stombaugh to VP/corporate controller. 

Stombaugh will take on an expanded role in the company’s decision support and its strategic development. He also will continue to oversee its financial accounting and reporting functions, internal controls, treasury and budgets, Weis reported. He will continue to report to Scott Frost, SVP and CFO.

NEW YORK — Three bills introduced in California's state legislature earlier this month would recognize pharmacists as healthcare providers.

The bills, introduced by state Senate Health Committee chairman Ed Hernandez, would allow pharmacists, nurse practitioners and optometrists to practice the full extent of their education and training.