People on the move … Oct. 5
Drug Store News has rounded up all the retail pharmacy comings and goings to help keep you informed. Here are this week’s announcements.
Farouk Systems announces executive leadership changes
One of the largest beauty companies, Farouk Systems, announced executive leadership appointments to key divisions within the company.
The appointments include Lisa Marie Garcia, named president of professional; Farah Faulkner, named president of retail; Paula Malloy-Huerta, named president of chains; and finally, Richard Rivas, named senior vice president of marketing. The changes are a result of the company’s deliberate and collaborative approach to driving company focus, growth, continuity and momentum.
“I am proud to strengthen and solidify the company’s executive lineup,” said Dr. Farouk Shami, chairman and founder of Farouk Systems. “These changes reflect my unwavering confidence in their ability to further maximize the growth potential of the company. With their business acumen, I know they will drive collaboration and innovation to shape the future of Farouk Systems.”
The company said the team members will develop and execute Farouk Systems’ short-term and long-term strategy to increase market share, grow revenue and develop the company’s organizational profile.
Morris & Dickson adds new chief commercial officer
Independent full-line pharmaceutical distributor Morris & Dickson has announced the hiring of Jason Hanks as its chief commercial officer to lead the procurement function for the company.
Hanks is a 26-year industry veteran who brings extensive experience in finance and procurement, the company said. Prior to joining M&D, Hanks was chief commercial officer at Granules Pharmaceuticals since 2018. He has had various leadership roles at McKesson, National Oncology Alliance and Oncology Therapeutics Network.
“Morris & Dickson has a stellar reputation in the pharmaceutical industry,” Hanks said. “We are already hard at work making major investments in product procurement and adding resources to bolster our capabilities with our trading partners.”
Additionally, Morris & Dickson has added Mike VanderPol as generic drugs category leader. The 27-year veteran will oversee operations and personnel within the generics channel. Prior to joining M&D, VanderPol worked in senior positions at Comprehensive Pharmacy Services, Smith Drug, Walgreens and Rexam PLC/Owen-Illinois.
“It’s an honor to lead a company that plays such a crucial role in our healthcare system and has an unparalleled track record of success,” said CEO Jody Hatcher. “Our recent moves with new hires, expansion plans and new company branding all enhance M&D’s unique value to our health system, independent pharmacy and specialty pharmacy customers.”
NCPA names Ken Thai 2022 independent pharmacist of the year
The National Community Pharmacists Association and Upsher-Smith Laboratories have announced that Khanh-Long (Ken) Thai, PharmD, owner and operator of 986 Degrees, the winner of the 2022 National Community Pharmacists Association Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year award.
Thai received the award on Oct. 2 at NCPA’s 124th Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.
Named in honor of Willard B. Simmons, a former executive secretary of NCPA (then known as the National Association of Retail Druggists) and a longtime trustee of the NCPA Foundation, the annual award is given to a pharmacist who exhibits exemplary professional leadership, service to community and commitment to independent pharmacy.
Thai is a longtime advocate for community independent pharmacists, and he demonstrates this commitment through his service on several legislative committees including the NCPA State Legislative Committee and California Pharmacists Association Legislative Committee, the association said.
He is a leader who has proven his dedication to advancing the field of independent pharmacy through his teachings at the college level and public policy development, and exemplifies what makes independent pharmacies so valuable to local communities. Thai is not only CEO and a member of the board of directors of 986 Degrees, he also owns and operates multiple 986 Pharmacy locations throughout Southern California and Nevada. The pharmacies specialize in retail, long-term care, compounding, infusion and specialty medication.
“Ken is an accomplished leader whose passion for helping patients, sharing knowledge and engaging in policy dialogue makes him a deserving recipient of this year’s Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year Award,” said B. Douglas Hoey, NCPA CEO and pharmacist. “We applaud the work Ken has done to advance the future of independent pharmacy and are thankful to Upsher-Smith for its continued support in recognizing commendable pharmacists like him.”
Scotch Porter adds to its executive leadership team
Grooming and wellness brand Scotch Porter announced the growth of its executive leadership team, which includes four new hires and the promotion of a senior marketing executive.
The executive hires are an extension of the company’s focus on scaling brand operations as a part of its overall growth and omnichannel expansion strategy, the company said.
Aldwiny Beauport named director of finance at Scotch Porter
Beauport brings more than 20 years of finance and accounting experience in retail, luxury goods and beauty, most recently at the multicultural beauty brand Urban Therapy. In her role, she will manage the overall P&L, oversee day-to-day fiscal management, and focus on enhancing financial analysis and reporting to inform better decision-making.
Carel Hearon appointed to vice president of growth at Scotch Porter
Hearon brings over two decades of experience leading direct-to-consumer e-commerce and performance marketing at companies like LVMH, Drybar, Lolë Brands and Every Man Jack. Her strategic and tactical expertise in driving acquisition and retention strategies for sustainable, clean/nontoxic products will be a catalyst for Scotch Porter’s growth across all digital channels.
Brian Murray named vice president of supply chain at Scotch Porter
Murray brings over two decades of global manufacturing, logistics and product development expertise, with a strong focus on the beauty and personal care industry. His experience with brands like Kenra and DevaCurl will significantly support the development and future-proofing of Scotch Porter’s global supply chain strategy and manufacturing footprint.
Shelby Wong appointed as vice president of sales at Scotch Porter
Wong brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge of the North American retail landscape from his tenure at L’Oreal, Sundial Brands and Grace Beauty. With his broad skill set in sales, sales strategy, shopper marketing and brand building, Wong will oversee the national and international retail, channel and category expansion of Scotch Porter.
Additionally, Scotch Porter recently announced the strategic hire of beauty executive Christian Chopra as president of the brand. Chopra spearheads the brand development and scaling of the company, is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, overseeing all key functions in the business, and driving both top-line and bottom-line growth. Moreover, longtime senior marketing executive at Scotch Porter, Aleesha Worthington, was promoted to vice president of brand.
“In this next phase of growth for Scotch Porter, it was crucial for us to hit the ground running with scaling brand operations to truly move our mission forward,” said Calvin Quallis, founder and CEO of Scotch Porter. “We are proud to have collectively onboarded six executives to our executive leadership team, whose individual insight, skills and talents will play a pivotal role in advancing Scotch Porter’s success.”
Inmar Intelligence names Spencer Baird as CEO
Applied data platform company Inmar Intelligence announced that Spencer Baird has been officially appointed as the new CEO after serving as interim-CEO since April, following the retirement of David Mounts.
Baird assumed the new role on Sept. 22, 2022.
“It is a privilege to lead this company, serve alongside this great team and together work hard to exceed the expectations of our customers,” Baird said. “Our top priority will be focused on addressing our customers’ needs in ways that deliver meaningful results. As we do this, I am convinced that this will create great career opportunities for our associates and set the stage for an exciting innovation agenda. OMERS has been a great partner over the last two years since I joined Inmar, and more recently, throughout this transition. I am grateful for their partnership and support on the mission ahead.”
The company said Baird is uniquely experienced to lead Inmar in this next chapter, having built an impressive career in leadership roles in grocery retail, e-commerce and consumer packaged goods for many of the best-known retail and CPG companies such as HJ Heinz, The Dannon Company, Kellogg Company and Ahold Delhaize.
“Spencer Baird is an experienced, strategic executive, and since joining the Inmar team, he has proven to be a strong leader who can guide the business into the next phase of its growth and evolution,” said Geoff Bird, managing director of OMERS Private Equity. “With the full support of the Inmar team and the board, we are confident Spencer will be successful in his role as CEO and are excited about the prospects for Inmar.”