Ken Martindale departs Rite Aid, company names new COO
CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has announced that president of Rite Aid and CEO of Rite Aid stores Ken Martindale, will leave the company, effective immediately, to assume his new role at the helm of GNC as CEO. Rite Aid also announced it has promoted Bryan Everett, currently EVP in charge of store operations, to the newly created position of COO Rite Aid stores.
In his position, Everett will be responsible for the company's store operations, merchandising, distribution and logistics. Everett will report to Rite Aid's Chairman and CEO John Standley.
"Since joining Rite Aid two years ago, Bryan has had a significant, positive impact on Rite Aid's store operations as well as in other areas of our business," stated John Standley, Rite Aid Chairman and CEO. "His exceptional leadership skills, strong industry knowledge and his proven track record of operational expertise and success make him the right person to lead key areas of our organization during this important time as we move forward to drive our business, create a great customer experience and deliver value for our stakeholders."
Everett has more than 20 years of experience in store operations. He joined Target in 2002, where he held various store operations positions of increasing responsibility. While at Target, he most recently served as SVP store operations. In that role, he focused on talent management, operational efficiency and integrated technology solutions. In addition, he led new format, new store and remodeling programs while also overseeing pharmacy and clinic operations. Before joining Target, Everett also held store operations management positions at Fleming Wholesale and ALDI.
"We also wish to thank Ken for his significant contributions to our company since joining Rite Aid in 2008," Standley added. We have all benefitted from the opportunity to have worked with Ken and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors."
At GNC, Martindale succeeds interim CEO Bob Moran, who has been elected non-executive chairman of the GNC board and will work closely with Martindale to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continued execution of GNC's transformation plan. As part of the transition, Michael Hines will step down as chairman, but will remain on the board. These changes are effective Sept. 11.
As CEO of Rite Aid Stores and president of Rite Aid, Martindale was instrumental in leading the company's transformation, including the rollout of a new store format and an expansion of the company's loyalty program.
"Ken is a proven leader with deep retail expertise, intimate knowledge of our business through his years of leadership with our partner, Rite Aid, and a record of success in transforming retail business models," Hines said. "I want to thank Bob for stepping in as interim CEO and for putting GNC on the right path. I am confident that Ken, with the support of the talented GNC team, Bob and the rest of the board, will continue to deliver improved performance and drive value for shareholders."
Martindale joined Rite Aid in December 2008 as senior EVP merchandising, marketing and logistics and was named senior EVP and COO in 2010. In June 2013, he was promoted to president and COO and took on the additional role as CEO of Rite Aid Stores in August 2015. Prior to joining Rite Aid, he was co-president, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Pathmark Stores.
"I have a deep admiration for GNC, the tremendous brand they've built and, in particular, the successful work they're doing to fundamentally transform the business model,” Martindale said. “I'm excited to work with Bob and the team to build on the momentum they've created."