Rite Aid promotes Andre Persaud to chief retail officer

Longtime food and drug retail executive Andre Persaud has been elevated to the newly created role of chief retail officer at Rite Aid.

Camp Hill, Pa.-based Rite Aid said Monday that Persaud, previously executive vice president of retail, will lead the drug chain’s retail operations, which encompass more than 2,500 stores in 17 states.

Rite Aid noted that Persaud (left) has overseen inventory and supply chain management, field team management, store operations, asset protection, and facility maintenance and repairs since joining the company in February 2020 from Wakefern Food Corp. He also has managed the development of COVID-19 health and safety procedures and protocols for customers and associates.

“Andre has not only proven an effective leader for our retail organization, but also provides a strategic and steady leadership voice in times of crisis and change,” President and CEO Heyward Donigan said in a statement. “During a challenging year, Andre led the development and implementation of new, elevated operations brand standards that align the in-store customer experience with our whole health focus.”

Persaud’s 25-plus years of retail experience span grocery, pharmacy, off-price apparel and beauty care, among other sectors. As executive vice president of retail for Rite Aid, he was charged with devising new in-store experiences and retail operations processes in line with the company’s RxEvolution strategy.

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Before that, Persaud served as an executive consultant to grocery cooperative Wakefern, executive vice president of retail at Shopko and senior vice president of store operations for Burlington Stores. His career also includes roles as senior vice president of central operations and merchandising for Loblaw Cos. and various senior operational posts at Shoppers Drug Mart. He began his career as a pharmacist and served in leadership positions of rising importance, eventually leading drug store operations for Walmart Canada.

“Andre’s background in pharmacy and retail have made him an invaluable asset to Rite Aid,” said Jim Peters, chief operating officer, Rite Aid. “Andre’s commitment to enhancing Rite Aid’s retail experience has been and will continue to be a differentiator for our company as we continue to execute our RxEvolution strategy.”