Former Sobeys exec to head Rexall Drugstore

Beth Newlands Campbell, a 30-year grocery industry veteran, is the new president of Rexall Drugstore.

Newlands Campbell spent most of her career (27 years) with the American grocer Hannaford Brothers and its Belgian parent company Delhaize, but was most recently president of Sobeys' Ontario, Atlantic division.

Rexall was at one time viewed as a possible takeover target for Canadian grocery giants Metro or Sobeys' parent Empire as a response to Loblaw’s acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart. But it was instead acquired by American health care heavyweight McKesson in March 2016.

While Rexall has expanded its grocery offering in recent years, it is still a more limited selection of essentials compared to the larger selection of food offered by some Shoppers stores since the Loblaw deal.

“Beth is a dynamic leader with a long and proven track record of delivering business results in Canada and the United States,” said Domenic Pilla, chief executive officer of McKesson Canada, in a release. “She brings with her a passion for creating a diverse and inclusive work environment that will engage our employees to grow our business and to serve even more customers and patients.”

The hiring was announced in a release Friday and her appointment is effective Tuesday.