OREANDA-NEWS. February 04, 2016. Albertsons Companies announced today that Mark Panzer, who was named the Company’s Senior Vice President of Pharmacy, Health & Wellness in May 2015, has accepted the additional responsibility of leading General Merchandise and HABA.

“Mark’s impact on our operation in 2015 was immediate. He brought a wealth of industry experience with him when he joined our team that make him a natural fit to lead GM and HABA in addition to his current responsibilities,” said Shane Sampson, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer. “We are completely committed to offering unique and innovative products that meet customers’ changing preferences throughout the store, including GM and HABA. I know Mark will tackle the responsibilities in these high-growth categories with the same enthusiasm he has brought to our Pharmacy and Health & Wellness operation.”

Panzer’s retail career began at Osco Drug stores over 40 years ago. He held senior leadership roles at American Drug Stores and Albertson’s, Inc, following their merger in 1999, as well as Rite Aid and Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, Inc. He returned to Albertsons in May 2015 to oversee the company’s Health & Wellness Initiatives and 1,760 pharmacies.

“Health & Wellness reaches well beyond the pharmacy and further into a traditional grocery store,” said Panzer. “As customers move to take more control of their health care, retailers need to pivot quickly to support their diverse needs. Our teams understand their customers’ needs better than anyone in the business, and by combining our Pharmacy, Health & Wellness, GM and HABA teams, we’ll be well positioned to serve our customers across our diverse market areas.”

Panzer will office out of the company’s Boise, ID corporate campus.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 36 states and the District of Columbia under 18 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market and Carrs.