Wasson named CEO of Walgreens

DEERFIELD, Ill. Walgreens has named Gregory Wasson as CEO and a director of the company effective Feb. 1. Alan McNally, who has served as chairman and acting CEO since October 2008, will remain chairman of Walgreens board. Wasson will retain the position of president.

Wasson joined Walgreens as a pharmacy intern in 1980 and advanced steadily through increasingly responsible executive positions over the course of his 29-year career with the company. Wasson was named a regional VP Walgreens store operations in 1999, became executive VP Walgreens Health Services (WHS) in 2001 and was named president of WHS in 2002. He became president and coo of Walgreen Co. in 2007.

“It is a very exciting time for Walgreens,” commented Wasson. “Despite the challenges we face from a difficult retail environment, we believe our fundamental strengths as a company – the best, most convenient, community-based store network in America; our iconic brand; and strong balance sheet – are tremendous competitive advantages that will accelerate the strategic transformation and success of our company. I look forward to working with our 237,000 dedicated employees in building the future of Walgreens.”