QUEBEC, Canada – Last October, McKesson Canada appointed veteran executive Dimitris Polygenis as its president.
Polygenis succeeded Joan Eliasek, who took the position of president, North American Pharmaceutical Distribution under a new organizational structure at McKesson Corp.
With over 20 years at Mc-Kesson Canada, Polygenis has led transformational growth across the organization with executive leadership roles across retail, pharmaceutical and most recently as the head of Specialty Health. He was instrumental in the success of Phase 4 Health, later integrated into McKesson, championing a new model for delivering innovative, patient-centric specialized therapies that helped redefine Canadian health care. Under his leadership, Specialty Health has continued its legacy of developing revolutionary programs, including initiating bold investments in technology and data analytics to accelerate access to care, improve adherence and elevate outcomes.
“It is a great honor to take on this responsibility, and I am eager to continue working with this talented, passionate team and our stakeholders across the Canadian health care system,” said Polygenis when named to the position. “McKesson Canada has a strong history of leadership and innovation to meet the needs of our customers, providers, partners and the patients we serve, and my commitment is to continue to make a positive and lasting impact for all.”
Polygenis holds a PharmD from the University of Toronto. He has served on several boards in the health care industry, including positions at the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia Pharmacy Programs and the Canadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management as chair. He is a current board member of the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada and the Canadian Pharmacists Association, where he chairs the National Pharmacy Business Council.
“Dimitris is a demonstrated business leader with deep experience in every facet of our business and a comprehensive understanding of our industry at large,” said Eliasek. “Dimitris’ commitment to excellence and focus on delivering results for customers and patients position him well to lead McKesson Canada into the next chapter.”
The company delivers more than 55,000 brand and generic drugs, over-the-counter consumer health products, and medical supplies product types to customers and patients every day. They utilize state-of-the-art inventory management tools to distribute all products efficiently, safely and cost effectively.
Advances Distribution Modernization to Strengthen National Health Care Supply Chains
McKesson Canada continues to strengthen its national distribution network through targeted investments designed to prepare the supply chain of the future and support growing demand across the health care system. The company has completed major enhancements across its Western Canadian distribution centers, expanding capacity, improving efficiency and strengthening cold‑chain infrastructure to support an increasingly complex therapy pipeline. The next major milestone is the opening of a new state-of-the-art distribution facility in Montreal, slated to open in 2026, which will significantly expand cold-chain capacity to support the needs of patients and partners across Quebec and beyond.
Underpinning this transformation is sustained investment in technology, data and AI-enabled capabilities that strengthen and improve the resilience of McKesson Canada’s distribution operations. Across the network, the company continues to refine digital forecasting and visibility tools that help customers anticipate demand shifts, manage inventory more effectively and maintain continuity of care.
Together, these significant infrastructure, AI and technology investments support McKesson Canada’s ongoing work to ensure a resilient and strong supply chain and strengthen access to essential medications nationwide.
As Canada’s largest integrated network of pharmacies, McKesson Canada encompasses some of the most recognized pharmacy brands in the industry.
These brands include their independent pharmacy banners Guardian, I.D.A., Remedy’sRx, The Medicine Shoppe, Uniprix and Proxim. The company provides its brands and pharmacy partners with all the tools and support they need to run a successful business and enhance customer service.
Guardian, I.D.A. and Remedy’sRx pharmacies are independently owned and operated by local pharmacists dedicated to providing the best possible patient care beyond prescriptions. With over 2,700 locations coast to coast, their pharmacies reflect the values of the communities they serve.
McKesson Canada delivers a suite of tools and solutions designed to support pharmacy business needs — from customer service to growth, from point of sale to business continuity.
Propel Rx is a powerful pharmacy software solution that is innovative, integrated and efficient, backed by a dedicated team of customer care agents, specialized support analysts, product developers and trainers.
This solution offers a variety of tools and resources to support internal efficiency and traceability. The software also supports integration with several software packages to ensure seamless efficiency.
McKesson Canada
KEY EXECUTIVES
Dimitris Polygenis, President, McKesson Canada
Jean-Philippe Blouin, Senior Vice President, Pharmaceutical Distribution
and Operations
Tim Smith, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Commercial Operations
Claudio Dilollo, Senior Vice President, Retail Banner Group
Manasi Kulkarni, Senior Vice President, Specialty Health and
Manufacturer Partnerships
Brita Lerohl, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation
Olivier Caruso, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Lily Koliqi Reed, Interim SVP, HR Business Partner Canada and International
Loris Zancan, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Jennifer Zerczy, Senior Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs
HEADQUARTERS
4705 Rue Dobrin, Saint Laurent,
Quebec H4R 2P7 Canada
Phone: (514) 745-2100
Website: mckesson.ca
TRADE CLASS — Drug Chain
FULL-YEAR RESULTS
Overall sales — $10.2 billion*
Pharmacy sales — $9.9 billion*
Number of pharmacies — over 2,700
Number of provinces operating — 10, plus 3 territories
*CDR estimate in Canadian dollars.
