Walmart appoints Pegus to lead health and wellness
Walmart has a new executive leading its healthcare efforts. The company named Dr. Cheryl Pegus its executive vice president of health and wellness, effective Dec. 21.
In her new role, Pegus will oversee Walmart’s more than 4,700 pharmacies, 3,400-plus vision centers, Walmart Health centers, digital health capabilities and newly launched Walmart Insurance Services. She'll also lead development the company's larger healthcare vision.
“I am humbled to be joining the Walmart organization and for the opportunity to partner internally and externally to build upon existing initiatives for accessible and affordable care for associates and the communities we serve,” Pegus said.
A cardiologist by training, Pegus joins the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer from Cambia Health Solutions, where she led the company’s consumer health solutions and served as chief medical officer. She is no stranger to either pharma, payers or retail pharmacy. Pegus worked at Pfizer in clinical protocol development and disease management programs, as well as Aetna, where she focused on wellness, women’s health, health equity and predictive analytics. She also served as Walgreens’ first chief medical officer from 2010 to 2013.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Pegus to the Walmart family to advance our efforts to continue exploring healthcare solutions for customers and associates, and helping Americans live better – and healthier,” John Furner, CEO of Walmart U.S. said. “She is an exceptional leader who will help us deliver care of the highest quality that people can receive at the right time, regardless of insurance coverage. This has never been more important as it is now, while the pandemic continues to put a strain on our healthcare system.”
Beyond her employers’ roles, Pegus co-founded A New Beat, which is focused on improving cardiovascular health and careers among women and underrepresented minorities, and she is a board member of the American Heart Association. She is the immediate past board chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists.
Pegus earned her bachelor's degree from Brandeis University and her MD from Weill Cornell Medical College. She also has a master's degree in public health from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.