FLINT, Mich. — Paul Urick has been promoted to president of Diplomat Pharmacy Inc.

Urick, who had been senior vice president of industry relations, pharmaceutical account management and payor strategy, succeeds Gary Kadlec, who will retire on December 31. Kadlec will serve out his term on the specialty pharmacy company’s board of directors.

Paul Urick

“As part of internal succession planning activities, Gary, Paul and I have worked closely together to position the company for continued growth,” said Diplomat chairman and chief executive officer Phil Hagerman. “As Paul takes the helm, he not only brings over two decades of in-depth knowledge and key relationships in specialty pharmacy, managed markets and integrated health systems, he also embodies Diplomat’s core values.”

“I am delighted to work even more closely with our industry partners, operations, clinical services and sales teams,” said Urick. “I look forward to driving continued innovation and growth, and leading Diplomat during this remarkable time.”

Before joining Diplomat, Urick served as senior vice president of pharmacy operations for Cigna Corp. Earlier he was senior vice president of pharmacy services at Independence Blue Cross, where he incorporated and led FutureScripts and FutureScripts Secure LLC, two pharmacy benefit management companies he created. Urick also spent 10 years at Geisinger Health System, a leading integrated health system, where he transformed and in-sourced PBM operations for Geisinger Health Plan.

Kadlec has served as Diplomat’s president since June 2012 and as a company director since February 2013. Under his leadership, Diplomat has grown through its initial public offering, strategic acquisitions, organic growth and a continued focus on operational innovation. Kadlec’s retirement will bring to a close a health care career spanning nearly 45 years.

“As Diplomat continues to evolve in this rapidly developing industry, one thing that will never change is our relentless drive to make treatment as effective as possible and help our patients thrive,” said Hagerman. “Gary has guided us with his strategic leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our strong culture of patient care.”

The company also announced that Sean Whelan will step down as chief financial officer at year-end to spend more time with his family.

Robin Johnson, vice president of finance and CFO of Diplomat’s Specialty Infusion Division, will take on an expanded leadership role until a formal replacement has been appointed.
The board of directors is conducting a nationwide search for a permanent CFO. Over the next two months, Whelan will work closely with Johnson to ensure a smooth transition.

Johnson joined Diplomat in April 2015 with the acquisition of BioRx and brings significant financial leadership and health care experience as the former CFO of Vohra Health Services and vice president and chief accounting officer of Vitas ­Healthcare, according to the company.

“Sean has played a central role in many of Diplomat’s major initiatives, including leading its initial public offering in October 2014, to help position Diplomat for the future,” Hagerman commented. “As chief financial officer of Diplomat for the past six years and a member of the board of directors for nearly five years, Sean has provided exceptional oversight and guidance, enabling us to focus on delivering the best solutions for our patients and our partners. We thank Sean for his many contributions to Diplomat as well as his ongoing commitment as he transitions into the next stage of his life.”