Retail veteran named Bartell Drugs CEO

A 30-year veteran of REI has been named as the new CEO of Bartell Drugs.



Bartell Drugs said that Brian Unmacht will serve as the new CEO. He was named president of the chain in January. George Bartell has been the company’s CEO for the past 25 years and will continue to serve as chairman, the company stated. Jean Bartell Barber is the company’s vice chairman and treasurer.



Unmacht joined Bartell Drugs following a nearly three-decade career with REI where he held a number of senior positions, including EVP and COO. He joined Bartell Drugs’ board of directors in 2011.



“Brian’s dedication to customer service, well-developed leadership skills and grasp of our day-to-day operations has been quickly demonstrated. In his expanded role, he will play a very important leadership role in positioning us for long range growth,” George Bartell said.



Unmacht said the company’s commitment to customer service has not wavered since 1890. “It’s not only part of our heritage, it’s a key element for our future success here in the Puget Sound area,” he said. “We’re very focused on serving neighborhoods throughout the region to meet their health and wellness needs.”



Members of the Bartell family are engaged in the company’s succession transition, including Evelyn Barber, who is rejoining the organization this year upon completion of graduate school, the company stated.