Former Shoppers Drug CEO passes

TORONTO - Shopper Drug Mart's former CEO David Bloom, 76, who helmed the Canadian retail pharmacy operation from 1983 to 2001, died Sunday, Sept. 25, surrounded by his family and friends.



Bloom started his career with Shoppers Drug Mart in 1967 as a pharmacist, and later as a pharmacist owner in 1968. He joined Shoppers' corporate center in 1971 and was named president and CEO 12 years later.



While Bloom was CEO, Shoppers expanded from 400 to 837 stores, which included expansion into the U.S. market in Florida, sales quadrupled and earnings grew tenfold.



Bloom is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, a former chairman of the Retail Council of Canada and a board member of the U.S.-based National Association of Chain Drug Stores. After retiring from Shoppers in 2001, Bloom became the president and a director of DGRB Consultants. He also serves as a director for Sterling Centrecorp, the Hospital for Sick Children and the Canadian Technology Transfer Fund.



The funeral was held Tuesday at Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel here.



Memorial donations may be made to Molly and David Bloom Chair in Multiple Myeloma at Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, or www.thepmcf.ca/bloom.