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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The HDA Research Foundation recognized Steven H. Collis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cencora, Inc., with the Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award was presented last night during the HDA Annual Board and Membership Meeting.
The Nexus Award, first presented in 1956, is considered the healthcare distribution industry’s highest individual achievement. The award recognizes one individual’s exceptional character, accomplishments, and leadership in HDA, the healthcare industry and their community.
“Over nearly three decades, Steve Collis has made a remarkable impact on Cencora and the entire healthcare distribution industry,” said Chester “Chip” Davis, Jr., President and CEO, HDA. “HDA and the HDA Research Foundation are proud to recognize a transformational leader and champion for healthcare access by presenting Steve with the Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement.”
Since Mr. Collis was named CEO in 2011, Cencora has experienced tremendous financial growth and significant global expansion. Under his leadership, several strategic investments and acquisitions enabled the company to expand its breadth of pharmaceutical solutions, strengthening its capabilities to support biopharmaceutical companies globally and advancing the company’s ability to provide innovative healthcare solutions for customers and patients around the world.
In 2023, Mr. Collis oversaw the transition of the company from AmerisourceBergen Corporation to Cencora, Inc., uniting the company’s businesses under one brand that better reflects its global reach and position at the center of the pharmaceutical supply chain. In his leadership role, Mr. Collis deepened Cencora’s dedication to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the healthcare distribution industry. For his leadership, Mr. Collis has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal, and Barron’s ranked Cencora as No. 1 on its list of the 500 top-performing companies in 2016 and 2017.
Before stepping into the CEO role, Mr. Collis founded and grew the company’s former Specialty Group business into the market leader in product distribution and commercialization services. He also led Cencora’s traditional wholesale distribution business. In addition to his position as chairman of Cencora’s board of directors, he sits on the board of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and previously served as a member of HDA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
As an active volunteer and philanthropist, Mr. Collis is a founding Vice Chairman of the American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer Greater Philadelphia Chapter. He also serves on the board of governors for the American Red Cross. A native of South Africa, Mr. Collis is passionate about advancing health equity and inclusion across the globe. He graduated with honors from the University of Witwatersrand (Johannesburg).
The 2024 Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement was made possible through the support of Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems and Viatris. For more information and a list of past honorees, visit the HDA website.
