Fred’s names Walgreens vet to executive team

MEMPHIS — Fred's has appointed Rick Hans as executive VP and CFO. He fills the position left open when Jerry A. Shore, Fred's former finance head, was promoted to CEO in October 2014.

 

Prior to joining Fred's, Hans enjoyed a 27-year career with Walgreens, where he most recently served as VP of investor relations and finance. Hans previously held the position of director of finance and assistant treasurer, where he promoted a sound capital structure that subsequently provided the basis for major strategic acquisitions.

 

At Walgreens, Hans also held roles as real estate manager and senior real estate manager, responsible for the development of more than 250 Walgreen drug stores. He joined Walgreens in 1987 as a financial analyst.

 

“Rick brings a broad background and deep understanding of our total business, which will allow us to better align shareholder value with the potential of our operations,” Shore said. “One of our key initiatives for almost two years now has been to improve the talent throughout our organization, using a balanced approach of hiring of new leadership with strong industry expertise together with developing and promoting existing team members. The addition of Rick to our team greatly advances the success we have achieved with our talent initiative."

 

Fred's and subsidiaries operate 659 discount general merchandise stores and three specialty pharmacy-only locations in 15 states in the southeastern United States. Included in the store count are 18 franchised locations. Also, there are 372 full-service pharmacy departments located within Fred's stores, including five franchised locations.