Rite Aid names chief retail officer

Rite Aid is promoting one of its own. The Camp Hill, Pa.-based chain has named Andre Persaud — most recently executive vice president of retail — to the role of chief retail officer. 

Persaud joined Rite Aid in his former role in February 2020, assuming responsibility for new in-store experiences and retail operations processes in line with the company’s RxEvolution strategy. 

“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,” said Heyward Donigan, president and CEO of Rite Aid. “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.”

During his time at Rite Aid, Persaud has spearheaded the company’s inventory and supply chain management efforts, led field team management and store operations and overseen asset protection and facility maintenance and repairs. At the onset of the pandemic, Persaud developed Rite Aid’s procedures and protocols focused on a clean and safe store environment for employees and customers. 

“Andre’s background in pharmacy and retail have made him an invaluable asset to Rite Aid,” Rite Aid COO Jim Peters said. “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.”

Persuad’s experience includes more than 25 years in retail across various channels for public and privately owned companies in the United States and Canada. He has served on the board of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and as a board advisor for AI and prescriptive analytics company Profitect.