Elephant Pharmacy names executives

Chain Drug Review, August 15, 2005

BERKELEY, Calif. -- As it looks to expand beyond its single store here, Elephant Pharmacy has named two new executives to run the company.

Kathi Lentzsch, a 20-year retailing veteran, replaces Elephant founder and chairman Stuart Skorman as chief executive officer of the company, which also sells its unique blend of products from kiosks in a dozen department stores. She will also serve as Elephant's president.

Jack Murphy, a former supermarket executive and a cofounder of the Fresh Fields grocery chain, is Elephant's new executive vice chairman.

The two will play an integral part in the company's expansion efforts.

Elephant has already leased space for three new stores in the Bay Area and southern California, and executives say they will unveil plans for three more outlets later this year.

"Elephant has pioneered a new pharmacy business model based on wellness and education, not just disease management," notes Lentzsch. "I'm thrilled to lead such an innovative and exciting business that cares so much about its customers' health and well-being, and I look forward to bringing Elephant to communities across the country."

Skorman, who started Elephant Pharmacy in late 2002, has nothing but praise for his new chief executive officer. He is confident that she will take the drug chain to new heights.

"Kathi is a brilliant merchant and a proven retail leader," he comments. "She embraces Elephant's unique culture and has the management expertise needed to guide Elephant Pharmacy through its next phase of growth."

Before joining Elephant Lentzsch was president of Cost Plus World Market, a San Francisco-based retailer of imported home furnishings, gourmet food and wines. In that role she oversaw the company's business development, merchandising and marketing efforts.

Murphy is a former senior executive vice president at Purity Supreme Supermarkets who became one of the founders of the Fresh Fields supermarket chain. He was that company's president and chief operating officer until it was sold to Whole Foods Market Inc. in 1996.

"Elephant is the most interesting new business I have seen in a long time," Murphy says.