Katz Group, Snyder’s exec Giancamilli begins early term as NACDS chairman
NEW YORK Assuming his role months before it was originally scheduled to begin, retail veteran Andy Giancamilli began his tenure today as chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
Giancamilli, who is chief executive officer of both Canada-based Katz Group North America and its U.S. subsidiary, Snyder’s Drug Stores of Minnetonka, Minn., has served as vice chairman of NACDS since April 2008. His term as chairman will run until the NACDS Annual Meeting in April 2010.
The change came today at the NACDS Board of Directors meeting here. Giancamilli, trained as a pharmacist, succeeds Warren Bryant, who was president and chief executive of Longs Drug Stores until its acquisition by CVS Caremark. Bryant has been named to the NACDS Honorary Board of Directors.
Giancamilli brings to his role wide-ranging experience in U.S. and Canadian retailing. He began his career at Michigan-based Perry Drug Stores in 1975, rising to president and chief operating officer under Perry founder and chief executive Jack Robinson. After Perry’s sale to Rite Aid, Giancamilli joined Kmart Corp. in 1995, rising to president and chief operating officer before moving to Canadian Tire in 2001. He joined Katz Group, Canada’s largest integrated retail pharmacy network with some 1,800 stores across the country, in 2003.
“I’m very proud to serve NACDS and the industry in this critical role and look forward to working with the Board on progressive initiatives.” said Giancamilli. “Promoting and advocating on the value of pharmacy to primary care and prevention is essential to not only improving the overall health of patients but also in moving the industry forward.”
NACDS president and chief operating officer Steven Anderson praised the group’s new retail leader. “Andy enters the role of NACDS chairman at a time when healthcare reform is at the forefront of the new administration’s and Congress’ agendas. His leadership will be vital as we advocate for pharmacy’s role as a key component of that reform, for the good of patients.
"His first-hand expertise in pharmacy practice and his industry experience will be invaluable as we address the opportunities and challenges before pharmacy,” Anderson added. “I also would like to recognize the outstanding leadership of Warren Bryant. One lasting symbol of his chairmanship was his remarkable effectiveness in Capitol Hill meetings during Congress’ final pre-election legislative push.
“Making the case for pharmacy as the face of neighborhood healthcare, NACDS and its allies secured several key pro-pharmacy, pro-patient victories under Warren’s watch. Warren definitely leaves a legacy of leadership and results.”