DEERFIELD, Ill. — John Foley, who in his most recent position served as corporate vice president for eastern operations at Walgreen Co., has retired after a 29-year career with the ­company.

Under his leadership, Denver pharmacists were the first to immunize for Walgreens, a key step in the chain’s development of broad immunization services.

Since joining Walgreens in 1985 from Medi-Mart Pharmacy, Foley contributed to the growth and success of Walgreens as a store manager, a district manager and an operations vice president. He also had extensive roles in several retail acquisitions, including those of Duane Reade, Drug Fair and other regional and local chains.

In 2013, Foley assumed responsibility for leading the company’s Well Experience store format initiative, which is now in place at about 750 stores.

According to Walgreens, Foley also demonstrated his commitment to local community partnerships through his work as a member of the Chicago American Diabetes Association board as well as the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes. In addition, he serves on the board of the Academy of Food Marketing at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and on the Walgreens University board.

“We thank John for his leadership and tremendous commitment to Walgreens and the key role he has played in advocating matters important to the profession of pharmacy,” Walgreens said in a statement. “Also, his impact on developing a great number of people along the way shouldn’t be overlooked.”