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BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. pharmacy chief Mark Panzer has added oversight of the food and drug chain’s general merchandise and health and beauty aids businesses to his duties.
The supermarket retailer announced the move Tuesday. Panzer became senior vice president of pharmacy, health and wellness in May, coming to the company from Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, where he was president and chief executive officer.
Mark Panzer
Panzer will work in the expanded role at Albertsons’ corporate campus in Boise.
“Health and wellness reaches well beyond the pharmacy and further into a traditional grocery store,” Panzer said in a statement. “As customers move to take more control of their health care, retailers need to pivot quickly to support their diverse needs. Our teams understand their customers’ needs better than anyone in the business, and by combining our pharmacy, health and wellness, GM and HABA teams, we’ll be well-positioned to serve our customers across our diverse market areas.”
Since joining Albertsons last spring, Panzer’s impact “was immediate,” according to Shane Sampson, executive vice president and chief marketing and merchandising officer.
“He brought a wealth of industry experience with him when he joined our team that make him a natural fit to lead GM and HABA in addition to his current responsibilities,” Sampson stated. “We are completely committed to offering unique and innovative products that meet customers’ changing preferences throughout the store, including GM and HABA. I know Mark will tackle the responsibilities in these high-growth categories with the same enthusiasm he has brought to our pharmacy and health and wellness operation.”
A 40-year veteran of the food, drug and mass retailing arena, Panzer started his career at Osco Drug stores and later held senior leadership roles at American Drug Stores and Albertson’s Inc. after their merger in 1999, as well as at Rite Aid, Sears Holdings Corp.’s Kmart unit and Pharmaca.
Overall, Albertsons operates more than 2,200 supermarkets and about 1,760 pharmacies in 36 states and the District of Columbia under 18 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market and Carrs.