Walgreens Adds 2 to C-Suite

Walgreens (Deerfield, Ill.), a pharmacy/health care provider that’s been experiencing financial struggles and closing stores, has made two key leadership appointments: Tracey Koller, SVP and Chief Merchandising Officer, and Sharmila Sudhakar, Group VP and head of Walgreens digital commerce.

The company said these new appointments will contribute to its efforts to turn around the business as the company focuses on enhancing the front-of-store and omnichannel experience for its customers while driving in-store efficiencies.

“Our retail pharmacy business is uniquely positioned to expand the role we play in the lives of our patients who have come to expect and need retail pharmacy at the center of their care,” said Tracey Brown, EVP and President, in a news release. “To do this, we are investing in the industry’s best talent, which includes the addition of Tracey and Sharmila to the Walgreens leadership team. With their strong track records of delivering results in omni-channel solutions and merchandising, I know they will be critical contributors to our growth and success as we deliver an efficient, highly relevant customer experience.”

In her new role, Koller will be responsible for leading merchandising strategy across all categories, and the deployment of merchandising plans and programs that will drive Walgreens’ competitive advantage. Most recently, Koller was Chief Merchandising Officer at Party City, and her career also includes stints at News Corp, Whole Foods and Target.

In her new role, Sudhakar will be responsible for driving Walgreens’ digitally initiated revenue growth across various business lines, including retail products, pharmacy, photo services and health services and strengthening digital engagement through omni-channel solutions. She joins Walgreens from Tailored Brands, where she most recently served as VP/General manager of the North America ecommerce business for The Men’s Wearhouse and Moores. Prior to that, she held positions at Walmart, Tile, Gap and eBay.

The two will begin their new roles in late August.

Walgreens is part of the Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., which operates nearly 9000 retail locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.