People on the move … Sept. 14

Drug Store News has rounded up all the retail pharmacy comings and goings to help keep you informed. Here are this week’s announcements.

Steve Bixler to become Rite Aid’s next senior vice president, chief accounting officer

Rite Aid said this week that Steve Bixler, vice president of financial accounting, will become the new chief accounting officer effective Jan. 13, 2023, following the retirement of Brian Hoover, who served in the role for the last three years during his 27 years with the company. 

Bixler will report to chief financial officer Matt Schroeder.

“We look forward to a seamless transition and the leadership Steve will bring as we continue our journey toward a modern full-service pharmacy company,” Schroeder said. “We are grateful for Brian’s many years of service and dedication to our company, and wish him a well-deserved retirement.”

Bixler has served in accounting roles at Rite Aid for the last 21 years and was promoted to his current role as vice president in 2020. He joined Rite Aid as an inventory specialist immediately after earning his bachelor’s degree from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., in 2001.

LeAnn B. Smith named executive vice president, chief human resources officer of McKesson

McKesson has announced that LeAnn B. Smith will become executive vice president and chief human resources officer. Smith will succeed Tracy L. Faber, McKesson’s current CHRO who will be retiring after an 11-year tenure with the company. The changes are expected to be effective on Dec. 1. 

In her new role, Smith will report to CEO Brian Tyler and serve as a member of the executive operating team. As McKesson continues to focus on people and culture as a strategic priority, Smith will have responsibility for all human resources disciplines, including attracting, developing and retaining talent across the company; championing employee diversity and inclusion initiatives; and leading transformational change, the company said.

“McKesson is committed to developing talent at all levels of the organization, and we are pleased to promote LeAnn to the role of chief human resources officer,” Tyler said. “In this dynamic time, we look forward to benefiting from her more than 20 years of experience as McKesson continues to address the changing needs of our employees, foster a diverse and inclusive culture, and become the best place to work in health care.”

Smith joined McKesson in 2021 and currently serves as senior vice president of talent management and development, with responsibility for helping to advance the company’s future growth plans and business performance.