GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. — Kinney Drugs vice president of marketing Jim Wuest is set to retire at the end of the year, at which time vice president of merchandising Rick Cognetti will be promoted to vice president of marketing and ­merchandising.

Kinney executives say that Wuest, who joined the 95-store regional chain in 2006, has been instrumental in the company’s success over the past few years.

“We are thankful for all the contributions that Jim has made to the evolution of our marketing and merchandising operations over the last several years,” Kinney Healthcare Services president Bridget-ann Hart says. “It was an honor to have had Jim as a colleague, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Kinney says that having a single executive oversee its marketing and merchandising efforts will help the company bring together the two functions to enhance and support its comprehensive business strategies.

Meanwhile, two other executives have had their responsibilities expanded.

Director of marketing Jennifer Whalen will assume an expanded role in overseeing marketing initiatives and managing the day-to-day operations, while director of merchandising Cheri Taylor will become more involved in managing Kinney’s merchandise presentation.