CVS names new head of pharmacy benefit management business

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark outlined succession plans for its pharmacy benefit management business as EVP and COO Jon Roberts will assume the role of president of the PBM business, effective Sept. 1.

During the company's analyst meeting in December 2011, Per Lofberg, PBM president, announced his intention to extend his employment agreement with CVS Caremark through December 2013, as previously reported by Drug Store News. On Friday, the company announced that Roberts would assume the role of president of the PBM business in September. He will continue to report to Lofberg. Lofberg will continue to report to Larry Merlo, President and CEO of CVS Caremark.

In his new role as president of Caremark Pharmacy Services, Roberts will have day-to-day oversight for the PBM business including sales and account management and operations. Effective Sept. 1, 2012, Lofberg will focus on driving PBM strategy, new business development and client relationship management and retention by serving as the chairman of the PBM.

Roberts, a pharmacist by training, has more than 30 years of pharmacy healthcare experience, including 21 years with CVS Caremark. He has served in the role of EVP and COO for Caremark Pharmacy Services since 2010. Prior to that, he led pharmaceutical purchasing, pricing and network relations. While serving as the company's CIO, Roberts spearheaded RxConnect, which significantly enhanced retail pharmacy performance. He spent more than 14 years in the company's retail business and held a variety of senior roles including serving as the SVP retail operations.

"Jon is the right leader to build on the tremendous foundation that Per Lofberg has created for long-term success," stated Merlo. "Jon is a results-driven leader, whose analytical approach has served him well in the variety of roles he has held over his 20-year tenure with CVS Caremark. His broad base of pharmacy experience will further our mission to continually improve how we do business and look for ways to do it better, more efficiently and at a lower cost.

"This thoughtful leadership transition demonstrates the strength of our succession planning process, and importantly ensures that we're well-positioned to continue to meet the needs of our clients and their members. As president and CEO, I am grateful to both Per and Jon for their partnership as we work together to position Caremark Pharmacy Services for continued long-term success."