Albertsons names new pharmacy chief

The parent company of Albertsons and Safeway has named a drugstore industry veteran as its new SVP of pharmacy, health and wellness.

AB Acquisition LLC says Mark Panzer will oversee the company's 1,760 pharmacies in 34 states across the country., overseeing the company's 1,760 pharmacies in 34 states across the country.



Panzer succeeds Darren Singer, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities.



Panzer's retail career began at Osco Drug stores more than 40 years ago. He moved into roles in regional sales and marketing and regional operations for the drug store chain, eventually serving as district manager as well as director and subsequently VP of sales and marketing with American Drug Stores. Those roles led to his being named SVP of sales and marketing for Albertsons following its merger with American Stores in 1999. In 2001, Panzer left the company to join Rite Aid as EVP of store operations, and in 2005 was named senior EVP and chief marketing officer for that company, leaving in 2008 to become president and CEO of Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy.



"Mark understands and appreciates the entrepreneurial spirit that embodies how we go to market across our divisions, and we're thrilled that he's chosen to come back to our team," stated Shane Sampson, chief marketing and merchandising officer for Albertsons. "Early on in his career, Mark was part of the team that helped define what great customer service meant for pharmacy operations in a grocery company. Moreover, he has proven himself to be an extraordinary leader throughout his career and is well respected throughout the industry. His extensive retail, sales, and marketing experience will be invaluable to our Pharmacy team as we move forward with our goal to be the Favorite Local Supermarket™ for our customers and employees."



Panzer's new role is effective immediately, and he will relocate to the Boise office in the coming weeks.