Hy-Vee Picks Agostino to Lead Pharmacy Innovation
Mike Agostino, current president of Amber Pharmacy/Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions, has accepted a new position in which he will lead pharmacy innovation and business development for the Midwestern supermarket chain.
In the coming weeks, Agostino will assume the role of VP of pharmacy innovation/business development at Hy-Vee.
In this newly created position, Agostino will work with Hy-Vee’s health and wellness teams to research, develop and launch programs and initiatives that further grow Hy-Vee’s health brand. In addition, Agostino will continue his involvement in industry and government relations on behalf of the company.
Strengthening Hy-Vee's pharmacy business
Randy Edeker, chairman, CEO and president of Hy-Vee, says Agostino was the natural choice.
“I spend 40 percent of my time on pharmacy issues because health care has become such an important piece of our business,” said Edeker, who is also chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. “I’ve asked Mike to come to our team to develop future innovation that will strengthen our pharmacy business in this ever-changing environment. He has a wealth of skills and experience, and that’s why I’m excited for the new ideas he’ll bring.”
Hy-Vee acquired Amber Pharmacy in 2014 after the two companies had worked together over several years to create Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions. Known as a pioneer in the specialty pharmacy industry, Amber is headquartered in Omaha, Neb., and has pharmacies in Chicago, Dallas and Philadelphia.
Agostino joined Amber Pharmacy in 2008 after previously working as a VP of managed care sales for Walgreens.
“I am pleased and feel very comfortable leaving Amber Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions in such capable and talented hands,” Agostino said. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve in a key role that will add value and make a difference in the rapidly changing and evolving health care market.”
Aaron Wiese will replace Agostino as president of Amber Pharmacy. Wiese currently is assistant VP of Hy-Vee and chief operating officer of Amber.
This week, Hy-Vee also announced the promotions of several other key leaders at Amber Pharmacy/Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions: Julie Zatizabal to senior VP of trade relations; Micaila Ruiz, PharmD, R.Ph., to chief pharmacy officer; Jo Ann Hyres to senior VP of sales and marketing; and Peggy Tomes to senior VP of reimbursement and billing.
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating 240 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $9.3 billion annually.