MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Retail veteran Ken Keelor has been named chief merchandising officer at Katz Group.

In that role, Keelor will oversee all merchandising and marketing functions for the Rexall family of pharmacies.

Before joining Katz, he held a number of executive positions over 10 years at multibanner Canadian grocery chain Sobeys Inc. He most recently was vice president of private label procurement and global sourcing.

With more than two decades of Canadian and international experience in merchandising and marketing, Keelor has driven sales and profitability for various retailers through brand revitalization programs, merchandising and marketing strategies, and private brand activation.

“Ken’s more than 20 years of experience in retail merchandising will be a valuable addition to Katz Group Canada’s leadership team,” says chief operating officer Frank Scorpiniti. “Ken has a proven track record in building winning teams and growing sales and overall business performance through innovative strategies. As we continue to enhance our customer experience, he will be integral to our organization. We’re excited to welcome Ken to our team.”

Keelor’s promotion is the latest step in Katz’s efforts to strengthen its managment team and comes a few months after Scorpiniti joined the company after playing a central role in the transformation of New York’s Duane Reade chain.

Katz chief executive officer Andy Giancamilli has said that bringing Scorpiniti on board to handle Katz’s day-to-day operations has allowed him and the chain’s No. 2 executive, Warren Jeffery, to focus more attention on strategic initiatives.

“The addition of Frank strengthens our ranks and allows us the opportunity to go forward with a strong management team,” Giancamilli noted earlier this year.