Longs promotes Vasos to executive VP and COO

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. Longs Drug has appointed Todd Vasos as the company’s new executive vice president and chief operating officer. He replaces Karen Stout, who left the company. In his new role, Vasos will be responsible for marketing, merchandising, construction and store operations.

Vasos joined Longs in 2001 as senior vice president of marketing. He was promoted to senior vice president and chief merchandising officer in 2005 and has played a key role in the rollout of Longs’ store remodels and its front-end re-merchandising. Prior to arriving at Longs, Vasos served in executive positions at Phar-Mor and Eckerd Drug.

Larry Gatta will fill Vasos’ position as senior vice president and chief merchandising officer. Gatta joined Longs in 2002 as vice president of marketing and has more than 25 years of experience including stints at Rite Aid, Phar-Mor and Giant Eagle. Linda Voracek is moving up to the role of vice president of marketing and is responsible for all front-end categories. Voracek joined the chain in 2003 after six years at Kmart.

Longs did not provide a reason for Stout’s departure. Stout joined Longs in 2006 after a serving for two years as executive vice president of merchandising at warehouse club chain BJs Wholesale.