Walgreens elevates Miquelon, Spina, caps overhaul of merchandising unit

DEERFIELD, Ill. Walgreens said late Friday it has promoted several key executives in finance, corporate strategy and other areas, and completed the overhaul of its merchandising management team by hiring Wal-Mart veteran Steve Broughton to oversee the consumables category.

The promotions involve Wade Miquelon, elevated to EVP and CFO; and John Spina, named corporate VP of retail integration and new format development. Both promotions were effective July 1.

Miquelon, 44, is a relative newcomer to the 6,902-store drug chain and health services giant. He joined Walgreens as senior VP and CFO in June 2008, and will continue to oversee accounting, tax and treasury functions, including investor relations.

“In the short time he’s been with Walgreens, Wade has delivered tremendous value while bringing effective change that’s showing results,” said Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson. “We’re pleased to recognize his work and the value he brings to the leadership team.”

Prior to Walgreens, Miquelon was EVP and CFO for Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods. He also spent 16 years with Proctor & Gamble, the world’s largest consumer goods product company.

Spina, 50, is a 30-year Walgreens veteran who spent 28 years in store operations and last served as VP and treasurer. In his new role, he is charged with “bringing a more focused approach to how Walgreens integrates new businesses,” the company noted Friday. In line with the company’s “Customer-Centric Retailing” initiative, Spina also will work to develop new store formats and increase performance from existing store formats through more flexible layouts.

“Throughout his lengthy Walgreens career, John has demonstrated the ability to uncover opportunities and lead teams through complex projects,” Wasson said. “There’s no one better to take on this new challenge as we seek more innovative ways to leverage the best store network in America.”

Separately, the company revealed it has completed filling out its team of general merchandise managers and divisional VPs with the addition of Broughton, a 23-year Wal-Mart veteran who last served the discount store giant as VP and divisional merchandise manager for food and consumables. Broughton will join the company July 13 as GMM and divisional VP for consumables.

In other moves, Walgreens elevated Bruce Schmiedl from director of facilities planning, design and engineering to divisional VP overseeing the same activities. Also promoted is Bob Roscoe, from director of asset development to divisional VP in charge of property acquisition and development, and specialty real estate.