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

Richardsen, 41, most recently served as vice president of pharmacy programs and clinical services, overseeing the development and implementation of patient compliance initiatives, clinical programs, in-store clinics and pharmacy business development.

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

In the new post, Richardsen will supervise pharmaceutical purchasing and purchasing strategy, patient compliance initiatives, pharmacy program development, in-store clinics and retail pricing. He reports to John Standley, president and chief operating officer.

Before joining Rite Aid, Richardsen served as vice president of pharmacy category management for the former Brooks Eckerd drug store chain, where he oversaw pharmaceutical purchasing, including brand, generic and diagnostic product procurement; reverse logistics; and patient compliance programs. He is a licensed pharmacist.

"Ernie is a seasoned pharmacy executive with broad business experience," Standley said in a statement. "He has made valuable contributions to Rite Aid since joining our company with the acquisition of Brooks Eckerd, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his talent and expertise as he takes on his new responsibilities."