Former Walgreens execs Hans, Miquelon also in new roles

NEW YORK — Beth Stiller has stepped down as group vice president of global brands and sourcing at Walgreens to join Massage Envy as chief commercial officer.

She will be responsible for leading services, retail, innovation and operations teams at the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based therapeutic massage and skin care service franchisor, which has more than 1,100 locations.

Stiller was group VP of global brands and sourcing at Walgreens.

The move reunites her with former Walgreens executive vice president Joe Magnacca. In January, Magnacca was named chief executive officer of Massage Envy. Stiller also was teamed with Magnacca at Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) and Duane Reade.

“Beth and I have worked together in our previous roles, and I’m excited to have her join the Massage Envy leadership team,” said Magnacca. “Her proven ability to deliver on strategic initiatives, as well as her vast retail and franchise experience, will be a tremendous asset and complement to the team as we continue to innovate and drive business growth.”

“What a great opportunity to join such an incredible brand that has not only pioneered the convenient and affordable massage and skin care membership space but is now looking to innovate and transform the category once again,” said Stiller. “I’m excited to join such a strong and experienced leadership team to help the brand and the franchise network on its next phase of continued growth.”

In her group vice president role at Walgreens, which she had held starting in November 2013, Stiller led strategy development and execution of the chain’s $5 billion private label business. She repositioned five brands via a consumer-led and -validated initiative, and delivered an integrated strategic plan to drive top-line growth and enhanced brand equity. She also helped identify and lead delivery of global synergy opportunities across retail assortments.

Previously, Stiller served as division vice president of category strategy and innovation at Walgreens. She played a key role in the creation of the first Walgreens flagship store: a Duane Reade outlet at 40 Wall Street in New York City’s financial district. She joined Duane Reade in 2010, just before the metropolitan New York drug chain was acquired by Walgreens. At Duane Reade, she served as senior director of category management and ­merchandising.

In other news of former Walgreens executives, Rick Hans has become chief financial officer of Fred’s Inc. and Wade Miquelon has taken the same post at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

Hans had been vice president of investor relations and finance at Walgreens before retiring in December 2014. At Memphis-based Fred’s, which operates 659 discount general merchandise stores — more than half with pharmacies — he fills the position left open when CFO Jerry Shore was promoted to chief executive officer in October 2014.

“Rick brings a broad background and deep understanding of our total business, which will allow us to better align shareholder value with the potential of our operations,” said Shore. “One of our key initiatives for almost two years now has been to improve the talent throughout our organization, using a balanced approach of hiring of new leadership with strong industry expertise together with developing and promoting existing team members. This initiative has brought to Fred’s differing skills and perspectives that strengthen our capabilities and help us continue driving towards sustainable growth and profitability.”

Hans had a 27-year career with Walgreens, including a stint as director of finance and assistant treasurer. In that position he promoted a sound capital structure that provided the basis for major strategic acquisitions. Earlier, as real estate manager and senior real estate manager, he was responsible for the development of more than 250 Walgreens stores. He joined the company in 1987 as a financial analyst.

Miquelon was chief financial officer at Walgreens before leaving the company in August 2014. At Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft, which has 850 stores in 49 states, he will oversee finance, real estate, information technology and the general counsel.

“I am thrilled to have an executive of Miquelon’s deep and broad experience join the Jo-Ann team during a transformational time in our brand’s rich history,” commented chief executive officer Jill Soltau. “Miquelon is a highly respected and effective leader with a track record of driving retail changing strategies.

“I feel very excited and fortunate to join such a wonderful company that engages a loyal and passionate customer [in a] category filled with future opportunity,” Miquelon said. Under Soltau’s leadership “and in partnership with the entire Jo-Ann team, we will delight our customers, create value for all of our stakeholders and have a lot of fun in the process,” he added.