Walgreens names one of its own SVP pharmacy, healthcare
Walgreens on Thursday promoted Rick Gates, most recently group vice president of pharmacy, to the role of senior vice president of pharmacy and healthcare, reporting to Richard Ashworth, president of operations. In his new role, Gates will lead Walgreens’ commercial development and sales, contracting, pharma development, pharmacy supply chain and clinical programs and alliances.
“Rick’s 22 years of experience, grounded in pharmacy and operations, position him well to bring together our commercial and pharmacy strategies and assess the impact to our patients and stores,” Ashworth said.
Gates joined Walgreens after graduating from pharmacy school and spent most of his career within store and pharmacy operations before joining Walgreens' support office. Since then, he has proven instrumental in the implementation of innovative product offerings and operational efficiency programs, Ashworth said.
Gates led Walgreens' Western pharmacy operations and was responsible for pharmacy integration during the Duane Reade acquisition. He also led a team ensuring operational enablement and execution of strategic programs.
He also serves as a board member with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Leadership Board and the Lake Forest Swim Club Board.
Gates received a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He is an active member of the American Pharmacists Association, NCPDP, NASP and the University of Iowa Alumni Association.
“Rick’s 22 years of experience, grounded in pharmacy and operations, position him well to bring together our commercial and pharmacy strategies and assess the impact to our patients and stores,” Ashworth said.
Gates joined Walgreens after graduating from pharmacy school and spent most of his career within store and pharmacy operations before joining Walgreens' support office. Since then, he has proven instrumental in the implementation of innovative product offerings and operational efficiency programs, Ashworth said.
Gates led Walgreens' Western pharmacy operations and was responsible for pharmacy integration during the Duane Reade acquisition. He also led a team ensuring operational enablement and execution of strategic programs.
He also serves as a board member with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Leadership Board and the Lake Forest Swim Club Board.
Gates received a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He is an active member of the American Pharmacists Association, NCPDP, NASP and the University of Iowa Alumni Association.