McKesson elevates unit chief Canning to head its growing Health Mart division

SAN FRANCISCO McKesson Corp. confirmed it has promoted Tim Canning to the role of president of its fast-growing Health Mart franchise pharmacy division. Canning, who played a role in the revitalization of the Health Mart brand and the development of a highly successful new store prototype for Health Mart franchisees, replaces former division president Stefan Linn, who left McKesson in April to take a position with an investment firm.

Canning, a McKesson veteran, is responsible for formulating long-term strategy and managing day-to-day operations for the franchise chain, which has grown to roughly 1,900 units nationwide as more of McKesson’s independent pharmacy customers embrace the concept. He will also continue to oversee AccessHealth, McKesson’s managed care organization, the company revealed.

Canning, the son of former Walgreens president Fred Canning, is a veteran of Pharmacia Consumer Health Care and Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. He joined McKesson in 2002 as vice president of marketing for the independent segment, and was promoted to vice president of retailing marketing in 2004. In 2006, he was promoted again, to senior vice president.

Canning holds a BS in marketing from Marquette University. He is married, with two children.