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Mahlman to succeed Powell at London Drugs

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RICHMOND, British Columbia — London Drugs president and chief executive officer Wynne Powell has announced his plans to retire at the end of the month.

The 66-year-old Powell, who has been with the western Canada drug chain since 1982, will officially step down on February 23.

Senior vice president and chief operating officer Clint Mahlman will take over the day-to-day operations at the drug chain. He will hold the title of executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Brandt Louie, London Drugs chairman and president and CEO of the chain’s parent company, H.Y. Louie Co., will become the 78-store drug chain’s CEO.

Mahlman, who will celebrate his 30th anniversary with London Drugs this year, began his career with the drug chain while still in college.

In the ensuing years he has been a store manager, district manager, director of human resources, senior vice president of retail operations and most recently senior vice president and chief operating officer.

“Wynne has been tireless in his quest for constant innovation, growth and a sustained strategy for success,” Louie said earlier this month in a letter to employees and suppliers.

“Though he will always defer to the people he works with as the ones deserving credit, Wynne has built this company during his tenure, from 18 stores in 1982, to a remarkable 78 stores in 2014,” Louie said.

Besides helping expand London Drugs’ store base and taking the chain into the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Powell had a significant impact on the company’s merchandising and product assortment.

“He demonstrated visionary leadership by creating explosive growth and industry-leading approaches to digital imaging,” Louie noted. “His passion for technology has kept London Drugs on the forefront of products and services, making us one of the most recognized and trusted brands in Western ­Canada.”

Despite stepping down as president and CEO of London Drugs — positions he has held since 1998 and 2009, respectively — Powell will remain active in other Louie Group ­businesses.

He will continue to be president and CEO of London Air Services and London Enterprises, which operates the Sonora Resort, a wilderness resort in Campbell River, British Columbia, that offers what it calls “eco adventure in a luxury setting.”


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