Diplomat names new president, announces CFO’s departure

FLINT, Mich. — Diplomat Pharmacy has announced big changes to its leadership team, including a new president and the departure of its CFO. 

 

As Diplomat president Gary Kadlec prepares to retire, effective Dec. 31, and serve out his term on the company’s board, Diplomat has named Paul Urick president, effective Nov. 1. Urick moves up from his position as Diplomat’s SVP industry relations, pharmaceutical account management and payer strategy. 

 

“I am delighted to work even more closely with our industry partners, operations, clinical services, and sales teams,” Urick said. “I look forward to driving continued innovation, growth, and leading Diplomat during this remarkable time."

 

Kadlec’s retirement will cap off an almost 45-year health care career, which includes his work overseeing Diplomat’s initial public offering, various acquisitions and its focus on operational innovation. 

 

“As Diplomat continues to evolve in this rapidly developing industry, one thing that will never change is our relentless drive to make treatment as effective as possible and help our patients thrive,” Diplomat chairman and CEO Phil Hagerman said. “Gary has guided us with his strategic leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our strong culture of patient care. As part of internal succession planning activities, Gary, Paul, and I have worked closely together to position the company for continued growth. ”

 

Before joining Diplomat, Urick served as Cigna’s SVP pharmacy operations, and was VP pharmacy services at Independence Blue Cross Blue Shield, leading the incorporation and operations of two pharmacy benefit managers he created, FutureScripts and FutureScripts Secure. He also spent 10 years at Geisinger Health System, working on PBM operations for Geisinger Health Plan. 

 

“As Paul takes the helm, he not only brings over two decades of in-depth knowledge and key relationships in specialty pharmacy, managed markets, and integrated health systems, he also embodies Diplomat’s core values,” Hagerman said. 

 

As Urick takes the reigns and Kadlec prepares for his retirement, Diplomat’s CFO Sean Whelan will also be departing the company, effective Dec. 31. As the board searches for Wheelan’s replacement, Diplomat’s VP finance and specialty infusion division CFO Robin Johnson will take on an expanded leadership role, working with Wheelan to ensure a smooth transition. Johnson joined the company in April 2015 with Diplomat’s BioRx acquisition. 

 

“Sean has played a central role in many of Diplomats major initiatives, including leading its initial public offering in October 2014, to help position Diplomat for the future,” Hagerman said. “As chief financial officer of Diplomat for the past six years and a member of the Board of Directors for nearly five years, Sean has provided exceptional oversight and guidance, enabling us to focus on delivering the best solutions for our patients and our partners. We thank Sean for his many contributions to Diplomat as well as his ongoing commitment as he transitions into the next stage of his life.”