Valesano, Kelly get SDM posts

Chain Drug Review, Feb 16, 2009

TORONTO -- Mary Kelly has been named executive vice president of merchandising and category management at Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM). In addition, the drug chain has announced that Mark Valesano is joining the retailer as executive vice president of pharmacy.

Kelly has a wealth of senior-level merchandising experience in health and beauty. She was most recently vice president and general merchandise manager at Target Corp. During her 17-year career with that discount retailer, Kelly was responsible for such sectors as health, beauty, pharmacy and optical as well as the health clinic business.

Valesano replaces Virginia Cirocco, who has chosen to leave SDM. A retail veteran with more than 25 years of pharmacy experience, Valesano joins the retailer from Wegmans Food Markets Inc., where he was senior vice president of pharmacy, health, wellness and beauty.

During his 11 years at Wegroans Valesano was credited with developing the pharmacy business into a strategic asset for that supermarket retailer. He was responsible for such areas as managed care/pharmacy benefits management and professional development.