Rite Aid has promoted Andre Persaud to the role of Chief Retail Officer. Persaud, who has held the role of EVP, Retail since February 2020, will now be responsible for orchestrating new in-store experiences and operations processes under the retailer’s RxEvolution strategy.
In his prior role, Persaud oversaw Rite Aid’s inventory and supply chain management, field team management, store operations, asset protection and facility maintenance and repairs. During the pandemic, he managed the development of protocols designed to enhance safety for shoppers and associates.
Persaud has 25 years of retail experience across multiple channels at companies in both the U.S. and Canada. Previous positions include EVP, Retail at Shopko; SVP, Store Operations at Burlington Stores; and SVP, Central Operations and Merchandising at Loblaw Companies.
“Andre has not only proven an effective leader for our retail organization, but also provides a strategic and steady leadership voice in times of crisis and change,” said Heyward Donigan, President and CEO of Rite Aid in a statement. “During a challenging year, Andre led the development and implementation of new, elevated operations brand standards that align the in-store customer experience with our whole health focus.”
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The RxEvolution’s overall strategy aims to overhaul operations in three key areas:
- Unlocking the value of Rite Aid’s pharmacists: Rite Aid will enable its pharmacists to provide an “array of over-the-counter, clinical and holistic health and wellness solutions,” with the goal of encouraging a holistic approach to health;
- Revitalizing Rite Aid’s retail and digital experience: The retailer will improve personalization, stock products that appeal to younger customers and introduce new store concepts for its Store of the Future effort; and
- Becoming the dominant mid-market pharmacy benefit manager (PBM): Rite Aid’s Elixir business will position itself for strong growth and improved profits through its unique PBM capabilities.
“Rite Aid is a business in the midst of a turnaround and it is time for a radical change — our RxEvolution,” said Donigan in a March 2020 statement announcing the launch of RxEvolution. “This is not business as usual at Rite Aid. We have the unique opportunity to serve a growing customer base and strengthen the power of our iconic brand.”
