CAMP HILL, Pa. — Ernie Richardsen, a 17-year pharmacy industry veteran, has been promoted to group vice president of pharmaceutical purchasing and clinical services at Rite Aid Corp.

In his new position, the 41-year-old Richardsen is responsible for pharmaceutical purchasing and purchasing strategy, patient compliance initiatives, pharmacy program development, in-store clinics, and retail pricing. He reports to president and chief operating officer John Standley.

Richardsen most recently served as Rite Aid’s vice president of pharmacy programs and clinical services. In that post, he oversaw the development and implementation of patient compliance initiatives, clinical programs, in-store clinics and pharmacy business development.

Before joining Rite Aid, Richardsen was vice president of pharmacy category management for the Brooks Eckerd drug chain, where he supervised all aspects of pharmaceutical purchasing, including brand, generic and diagnostic product procurement; reverse logistics; and patient compliance programs.

“Ernie is a seasoned pharmacy executive with broad business experience,” Standley states. “He has made valuable contributions to Rite Aid since joining our company with the [2007] acquisition of Brooks Eckerd.

“We look forward to continuing to benefit from his talent and expertise as he takes on his new responsibilities.”

Richardsen replaces David Vucurevich, who Rite Aid says has left the company to pursue a new opportunity in the pharmaceutical industry.