Rite Aid names new head of retail operations

Industry veteran Andre Persaud is assuming the role of executive VP, retail at Rite Aid Corp.

In his new position, Persaud will lead the retail operations for more than 2,400 Rite Aid stores. His responsibilities will include inventory and supply chain management, field team management, store operations, asset protection and facility maintenance, and repairs. His retail experience includes grocery, pharmacy, off-price apparel, and beauty services. 

Persaud has more than 25 years of diverse and broad retail experience across varied channels and formats in both the U.S. and Canada. Most recently, he served as an executive consultant to Wakefern Food.

Prior to Wakefern, Persaud served as executive VP retail, for Shopko Stores Operating Company. Previously, he served as senior VP, store operations for Burlington Stores and prior to that he served as senior VP, central operations and merchandising, for Loblaw Companies Ltd., and in multiple senior operational leadership roles for Shoppers Drug Mart. He began his career as a pharmacist and served in progressive leadership roles to eventually lead drug store operations for Walmart Canada.

“Andre has demonstrated proven success when it comes to leading a transformational retail strategy,” said Heyward Donigan, CEO, Rite Aid. “The company has many exciting growth initiatives planned for 2020 and beyond. With Andre on board, we will move quickly to build on existing Rite Aid customer loyalty and implement a compelling, go-forward retail vision.”

“I’m thrilled to join Rite Aid at such a pivotal moment in the company’s history,” said Persaud, Rite Aid. “Customer expectations of retail pharmacies are rapidly changing. They want a more engaged health and wellness experience, more relevant, curated merchandise and a seamless retail experience. I look forward to working with the Rite Aid team to deliver on these expectations.”