Walgreens names first-ever chief diversity officer

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday named Steve Pemberton the company’s divisional VP diversity and inclusion, making him the company’s first chief diversity officer.

“Diversity and inclusion are embedded in our DNA at Walgreens — no other drug store retailer serves more communities,” stated Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, SVP and chief human resources officer for Walgreens. “With Steve’s drive, impressive background and insight, we are confident he and his team will build upon the philosophy that diversity is less about what you look like, but more about what you think.”

Pemberton will be responsible for ensuring that Walgreens demonstrates cultural and workforce diversity, and will take the lead on directing activities to help serve diverse markets and populations, including customers in medically underserved areas, food deserts and urban areas.

In addition, Pemberton also will help strengthen relationships with diverse suppliers and communities.

Pemberton comes to Walgreens from the job-search engine Monster.com, where he served as chief diversity officer and VP diversity and inclusion. Prior to that, he was co-president, co-founder and COO of Road to College, the first Web-based admission counseling service. Earlier in his career, he was senior assistant director of multicultural admissions at Boston College, his alma mater. Pemberton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1989.

Pemberton will report to Wilson-Thompson.