SAINT LAURENT, Quebec — In a flurry of executive appointments, McKesson Canada has promoted Alain Champagne to president.

McKesson Corp.’s Canadian arm said Monday that Champagne replaces Nick Loporcaro, who has been named president of McKesson Specialty Health, which the company called a key growth business.

"Alain brings a deep knowledge of McKesson Canada’s business and customers to his new role and will focus on continuing to bring value and growth opportunities to all the company’s partners," Paul Julian, executive vice president and group president at McKesson Corp., said in a statement.

Champagne has served as senior vice president of pharmaceutical distribution and operations since joining McKesson Canada in 2010. In that role, he oversaw all sales and marketing activities of distribution solutions and services. The company noted that under his leadership, McKesson Canada has made big strides in automating its distribution network and boosting productivity.

"I am delighted to take on this new role and continue the work initiated with Nick Loporcaro to position McKesson Canada for future growth," Champagne stated. "Our portfolio of businesses allows us to solve the significant health care challenges we face as a country. We are committed to bringing added-value services and solutions to all our customers and partners, with the ultimate goal of improving patient access to care and outcomes."

With the appointments of Loporcaro and Champagne, McKesson Canada named chief financial officer Paula Keays as senior vice president of pharmaceutical distribution and operations. Keays, who came to McKesson Canada in 2000, has overseen the company’s overall financial plans and policies, along with directing all Six Sigma operations.

"She brings an outstanding understanding of the company’s industry and business to her new role," McKesson Canada stated.

All three appointments become effective on July 16, the company said.

Along with drug wholesale, health care product distribution and related services, McKesson Canada’s operations include a network of about 1,650 independent pharmacies under such banners as FHCP, Proxim and Clinique Santé.