Rite Aid fills No. 2 position
CAMP HILL, Pa. Rite Aid Corp. Wednesday morning stated that Robert Easley, 48, a 16-year veteran of the H.E. Butt Grocery Co. with extensive experience in store operations, pharmacy, marketing and management, will join Rite Aid as chief operating officer.
Easley most recently served as senior vice president, chief marketing officer and head of pharmacy for the $11.5 billion H-E-B chain.
Jim Mastrian, currently Rite Aid chief operating officer, will become special adviser on corporate strategy, reporting directly to Rite Aid chairman, president and chief executive officer Mary Sammons. Mastrian will focus on Rite Aid’s strategic direction and initiatives, with particular emphasis on the integration of the Brooks Eckerd drugstore chain.
"It’s important we continue to build a strong executive team and evolve our long-term strategy to take the company to the next level," Sammons stated. "Jim and I have been working together for some time to build the succession plan for Rite Aid, searching for talented and experienced leaders who can build on the significant changes Jim has made to improve our operations and strengthen our company. … We both look forward to working with Rob who has excelled in so many areas in retail, from store operations and pharmacy to marketing and store development. His involvement in all areas of the business at H-E-B, which is known as one of the most innovative and successful retailers in the country, will be a great asset to Rite Aid now and in the future."
"Rob comes to Rite Aid with a very successful track record at H-E-B, including improving store execution, strengthening pharmacy and helping create a customer-driven culture," Mastrian said. "His experience will help us continue to build on the substantial improvement we’ve made to our business and position us well for the future."
In his new position, Easley will have overall responsibility for all store operations, category management, marketing, merchandising, supply chain and pharmacy services and operations, reporting directly to Sammons. He joins Rite Aid Aug. 20.