Rite Aid promotes industry veteran to chief retail officer

Andre Persaud is assuming a c-level position at Rite Aid.

Persaud, who was appointed executive VP, retail for Rite Aid in February 2020, has been named chief retail officer of the drugstore chain. His responsibilities at Rite Aid have included orchestrating new in-store experiences and retail operations processes in line with the company’s RxEvolution strategy, which is designed to transform the company “into the leading whole health destination that treats mind, body and spirit” as the retailer seeks to broaden its appeal to millennials and Gen X women.

Since joining Rite Aid, Persaud has also overseen the company’s inventory and supply chain management, field team management, store operations, asset protection, and facility maintenance and repairs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he managed the development of procedures and protocols designed to create a clean, safe environment for both customers and associates.

A recipient of the National Diversity Council’s 2021 Leadership Excellence Award, Persaud has more than 25 years of retail experience including serving 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. Prior to joining Rite Aid, he served as an executive consultant to Wakefern Food.

“Andre has not only proven an effective leader for our retail organization, but also provides a strategic and steady leadership voice in times of crisis and change,” said Heyward Donigan, president and CEO, Rite Aid. “During a challenging year, Andre led the development and implementation of new, elevated operations brand standards that align the in-store customer experience with our whole health focus.”

Persaud has served on the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Board of Directors. He holds both a bachelor of pharmacy degree and an MBA from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Rite Aid Corp. operates over 2,500 retail pharmacy locations across 17 states.