In wake of Bloom departure, CVS recasts key positions

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Less than a month following the departure of former EVP merchandising and supply chain Mike Bloom to lead Family Dollar, it's official — Judy Strauss Sansone will lead CVS’ merchandising team, the company announced Monday, naming the 30-year CVS veteran SVP merchandising.

Well-liked and respected by the vendor community, Sansone widely is regarded as a straight-shooting, savvy merchant with experience at various ends of the merchandising team, including stops as VP merchandising and pricing, VP healthcare merchandising, and VP retail innovation and store design. Sansone also was a core part of the integration team that helped bring acquired chains Eckerd, Osco, Sav-on and Longs Drug into the CVS fold.

In addition, the company also announced that Robert Price, chief marketing officer, would take on an expanded role in the areas of retail innovation and store design. “With more than 20 years of retail, strategy and marketing experience, Price will more tightly integrate the store and digital environments to create a more personalized experience for shoppers and patients. At the center of this effort are the proprietary insights drawn from CVS/pharmacy’s ExtraCare loyalty program, the largest of its kind,” CVS noted in a statement.

Lastly, Scott Baker, EVP internal operations, real estate and supply chain, also will take on the added responsibilities of inventory management and logistics. In his new role, Baker will provide senior-level support for inventory management and product flow in partnership with the merchandising and pharmacy teams, the company noted. Baker also will continue to have oversight of real estate, construction and facilities, and front store operations.

“These appointments tap the deep bench strength and diverse talents of our CVS/pharmacy team,” said Mark Cosby, president of CVS/pharmacy. “Through the focus of these leaders and their teams, we’re in the unique position to improve the lives of millions of Americans by providing easy, innovative solutions and personalized pharmacy health care at their neighborhood drug store, CVS/pharmacy.”