Content about Person Attributes

January 21, 2013
Walgreens' longtime EVP store operations Glenn Kraiss, 79, passes away

Glenn Kraiss, retired EVP store operations for Walgreens, died Jan. 18 at age 79. His career with Walgreens spanned 50 years to his retirement in 1999.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Glenn Kraiss, retired EVP store operations for Walgreens, died Jan. 18 at age 79. His career with Walgreens spanned 50 years to his retirement in 1999.  

“Glenn was instrumental to Walgreens' success during a period of terrific growth for the company," stated Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO. "During his 50-year career, he was a friend to coworkers around the country, a true leader for our store operations division and a mentor to more Walgreens folks than he may have realized.”

January 14, 2013
Just Born introduces chocolate-covered cherry Peeps for Valentine's Day

The maker of Peeps marshmallow candies is introducing a new flavor for Valentine's Day.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The maker of Peeps marshmallow candies is introducing a new flavor for Valentine's Day.

Just Born said Monday that it would introduce Peeps Cherry-Flavored Marshmallow Dripped & Drizzled in Chocolate, in three-count packages with deep-red accents.

"Our chocolate-dipped peeps have been a phenomenal success, and the new Peeps Cherry-Flavored Marshmallow Dipped & Drizzled in Chocolate will definitely excite our fans," Peeps senior brand manager Mark Hoffman said.

 

January 11, 2013
Walgreens raises quarterly dividend, names new controller

The board of directors of Walgreens declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share, a 22.2% increase over the year ago dividend.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The board of directors of Walgreens on Thursday declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share, a 22.2% increase over the year ago dividend. The dividend is payable March 12, 2013, to shareholders of record Feb. 15, 2013.

Walgreens has paid a dividend in 321 straight quarters (more than 80 years) and has raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years. Over the last five years, Walgreens annual dividend rate has increased from 38 cents per share to $1.10 per share, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of nearly 24%.

December 20, 2012
Walmart names Karen Roberts EVP, general counsel

Karen Roberts was named EVP and general counsel for Wal-Mart Stores on Thursday amid the retailer’s ongoing investigation in possible violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Karen Roberts was named EVP and general counsel for Wal-Mart Stores on Thursday amid the retailer’s ongoing investigation in possible violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Roberts, 42, is a 17-year Walmart veteran who most recently served as EVP and president of Walmart Realty for Walmart U.S. However, prior to that, she held the position of SVP and chief compliance officer for Walmart U.S. where she oversaw the establishment of food and product safety programs and a recycling program.

December 14, 2012
Kroger names Lynn Gust president of Fred Meyer

Long-time Fred Meyer executive Lynn Gust was named president of the 133-store Kroger division.

CINCINNATI — Long-time Fred Meyer executive Lynn Gust was named president of the 133-store Kroger division.

Gust, 59, joined Koriger in 1970 as a parcel clerk and most recently served as the company’s SVP of operations. Gust was appointed to that position in 2011 and prior to that he served as EVP of corporate merchandising and advertising. During his career Gust also served as VP of the Fred Meyer food group and SVP of store operations.

November 16, 2012
Mike Cirilli joins Rite Aid

Mike Cirilli has joined Rite Aid as senior director of OTC and private label, Rite Aid said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Mike Cirilli has joined Rite Aid as senior director of OTC and private label, Rite Aid said.

With 29 years of work experience in retail category management and merchandising, Cirilli most recently was VP merchandising with Duane Reade, where he worked for 16 years, and was a director and VP supply chain for Krasdale Foods. At Rite Aid, he will report to group VP category management Bill Bergin.

A native of New York, Cirilli earned his bachelor degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

November 15, 2012
Ahold appoints James McCann as COO of Ahold USA

Royal Ahold has appointed a new COO for its U.S. subsidiary, the company said Thursday.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands — Royal Ahold has appointed a new COO for its U.S. subsidiary, the company said Thursday.

Ahold, based in the Netherlands, announced that it had appointed James McCann as COO of Ahold USA, effective Jan. 1, 2013, replacing Carl Schlicker, who has announced his retirement. McCann, a 43-year-old native of the United Kingdom and currently Ahold's chief commercial and development officer who will continue as a member of the company's corporate board, began working for Ahold in 2011.

November 8, 2012
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy to hire 100 new employees

A rapidly growing specialty pharmacy company in Michigan is about to experience another spurt.

FLINT, Mich. — A rapidly growing specialty pharmacy company in Michigan is about to experience another spurt.

Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy said it had an immediate need to fill 100 full-time jobs, primarily in patient care coordination, order entry and customer service, but including 10 to 15 positions in areas like nursing, five in sales and account management, and 10 to 15 in technology areas like programming, quality analysis, data modeling and data architecture.

October 31, 2012
Clorox COO to retire; two SVPs to transition to EVP-COO roles

The Clorox Co. on Tuesday announced that COO Lawrence S. "Larry" Peiros, 57, will retire from the company effective April 1, 2013.

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Clorox Co. on Tuesday announced that COO Lawrence S. "Larry" Peiros, 57, will retire from the company effective April 1, 2013.

Peiros, who joined Clorox in 1980 as a summer intern, was appointed a member of the company's executive committee in 1999 and then to the COO role in 2007. He also oversees the marketing, sales, research & development and product supply functions as well as Clorox's Eco office.

October 29, 2012
AmerisourceBergen fills new chief strategy officer post

AmerisourceBergen on Monday named Lawrence Marsh, 52, to the new role of chief strategy officer and SVP new market development, effective Nov. 12, 2012.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen on Monday named Lawrence Marsh, 52, to the new role of chief strategy officer and SVP new market development, effective Nov. 12, 2012. 

October 23, 2012
Study: Moms make, trust in-person recommendations more than social media

So who's more influential: the Facebook mom, or the mom chatting up other moms at the school drop-off?

CHICAGO — So who's more influential: the Facebook mom, or the mom chatting up other moms at the school drop-off? 

October 9, 2012
Mike and Ike Mummy's Mix looks to scare up candy aisle

Just Born has expanded its Mike and Ike brand with the launch of Mike and Ike Mummy's Mix.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Just Born has expanded its Mike and Ike brand with the launch of Mike and Ike Mummy's Mix.

Featuring lemon, orange, grape, lime and raspberry-flavored candies, the limited-edition treat is available in a variety of sizes, including a 5-oz. box ideal for trick-or-treaters.

Mike and Ike Mummy's Mix can be found in supermarkets, mass market retailers and drug stores nationwide.

September 20, 2012
Supervalu names new chief information officer

Supervalu on Thursday announced the appointment of Kathy Persian as SVP and chief information officer.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Thursday announced the appointment of Kathy Persian as SVP and chief information officer. Persian, 45, joined the company in February 2010 in the role of group VP retail and merchandising systems, and later moved to group VP corporate planning, analysis and business process. 

Persian was named to the CIO post following the decision by Wayne Shurts to accept a position with another company, Supervalu reported. In her new role as chief information officer, Persian will lead all of the company’s information technology activities.

September 10, 2012
CVS/pharmacy's in-store fundraising campaign raises more than $5M for ALS, cystic fibrosis research

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and cystic fibrosis patients from Indianapolis took part in pre-game, on-field traditions at Fenway Park to celebration CVS/pharmacy's Advancing Medical Research fundraising campaign, which raised more than $5 million in five weeks.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and cystic fibrosis patients from Indianapolis took part in pre-game, on-field traditions at Fenway Park to celebration CVS/pharmacy's Advancing Medical Research fundraising campaign, which raised more than $5 million in five weeks.

August 20, 2012
Supervalu names new president of its DC/Baltimore Shoppers division

Supervalu on Monday announced Robert Bly will join the company as president of Shoppers, a 56-store division in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C., market.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Monday announced Robert Bly will join the company as president of Shoppers, a 56-store division in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C., market.

Bly is expected to begin his new role on Aug. 22 and will report to Chuck Elias, SVP retail operations. Bly replaces Tim Lowe, who recently accepted a new leadership role in Supervalu's merchandising organization.

July 31, 2012
TIGI names champion gymnast Nastia Liukin brand spokeswoman

TIGI Haircare — whose brands include Bed Head, Catwalk, Rockaholic and TIGI Cosmetics — has tapped gymnastic medalist Nastia Liukin to be its newest spokeswoman.

LEWISVILLE, Texas — TIGI Haircare — whose brands include Bed Head, Catwalk, Rockaholic and TIGI Cosmetics — has tapped gymnastic medalist Nastia Liukin to be its newest spokeswoman.

TIGI will embark on a multiyear deal with Liukin, involving her in many facets of the brand, including campaign advertising, social media, consumer promotions and appearances, as well as a co-branded product line.

July 30, 2012
Supervalu names new president, CEO

Supervalu on Monday named Wayne Sales, a Canadian hall-of-fame-caliber retailer, as the company's president and CEO, replacing Craig Herkert.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Monday named Wayne Sales, a Canadian hall-of-fame-caliber retailer, as the company's president and CEO, replacing Craig Herkert.

“In my new role, I will work closely with our leadership team to improve our sales and earnings trajectory and generate long-term shareholder value, focusing relentlessly on identifying factors that will drive meaningful improvements in our strategy execution and overall performance,” Sales stated.

July 27, 2012
HBA executive Gary Burns passes away

Gary J. Burns, 74, of Lake Forest, Ill., and Naples, Fla., passed away July 24. He was born Feb. 7, 1938, in Saginaw, Mich. Burns served in the U.S. Army and then embarked upon a long and successful career in the health and beauty aids industry.

NEW YORK — Gary J. Burns, 74, of Lake Forest, Ill., and Naples, Fla., passed away July 24. He was born Feb. 7, 1938, in Saginaw, Mich. Burns served in the U.S. Army and then embarked upon a long and successful career in the health and beauty aids industry.

June 8, 2012
AmerisourceBergen promotes finance executive to corporate controller

AmerisourceBergen on Friday announced that Lazarus Krikorian has been named VP, corporate controller, effective immediately.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen on Friday announced that Lazarus Krikorian has been named VP, corporate controller, effective immediately.

Krikorian will be an officer of the company and will report to Tim Guttman, who was recently appointed SVP and CFO, and whom Krikorian succeeds as corporate controller.

May 29, 2012
GNC, Discovery partners on get-fit 'Transformation Diaries' Web series

GNC last week partnered with Discovery Fit & Health on "Transformation Diaries," a custom Web series that follows four women working to achieve their personal "live well" goals. Fitness expert JJ Virgin is serving as the women’s mentor.

PITTSBURGH — GNC last week partnered with Discovery Fit & Health on "Transformation Diaries," a custom Web series that follows four women working to achieve their personal "live well" goals. Fitness expert JJ Virgin is serving as the women’s mentor.

May 14, 2012
Boiron names new president, CEO

Boiron on Monday named Janick Boudazin as president and CEO.

NEWTON SQUARE, Pa. — Boiron on Monday named Janick Boudazin as president and CEO.

“There is a rising awareness of homeopathy happening nationwide,” Boudazin stated. “Healthcare professionals, especially pediatricians and nurses, are embracing natural medicines more and more. Consumers are looking for safe, natural and reliable choices when it comes to treatment options for themselves and their family members. Homeopathic medicines fulfill this important niche.”

May 8, 2012
Morton Salt names new CEO

Christian Herrmann, the current head of investor relations for parent company K+S Group, will lead the Chicago-based salt company.

CHICAGO — Morton Salt, part of the K+S Group, has announced that Christian Herrmann, currently head of investor relations for K+S, will succeed Mark Roberts as CEO of Morton Salt. Roberts has been appointed as a member of the board of executive eirectors of K+S, effective Oct. 1, 2012.

May 3, 2012
Supervalu transitions EVP retail operations role to former Meijer executive

Supervalu on Thursday announced that Pete Van Helden, EVP retail operations, will be leaving the company this spring. Taking his place will be Kevin Holt.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Thursday announced that Pete Van Helden, EVP retail operations, will be leaving the company this spring. Taking his place will be Kevin Holt.

"This was a mutually beneficial decision that comes at the right time for both Supervalu and Van Helden, as the company continues to implement its business transformation strategy and as Van Helden moves on to opportunities that will better utilize his strengths," the company stated in a release.

April 30, 2012
Reports: Dying woman's plea prompts early release of cancer drug

An online plea for help from a mother dying of breast cancer prompted the manufacturer of an experimental drug to release it early, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — An online plea for help from a mother dying of breast cancer prompted the manufacturer of an experimental drug to release it early, according to published reports.

In an article posted on its website, CNN told the story of 46-year-old Darlene Gant, a woman with stage-four breast cancer, as she wrote letters to be given to her 11-year-old son on his upcoming birthday, and at future events, such as his high school and college graduations and marriage.

April 9, 2012
Safeway's finance chief adds president to role

Safeway on Monday evening promoted Robert Edwards to president of the company. Edwards had served as Safeway's EVP and CFO since 2004.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Monday evening promoted Robert Edwards to president of the company. Edwards had served as Safeway's EVP and CFO since 2004.