Sears names exec to lead grocery, drug and pharmacy unit

Sears Holdings of Hoffman Estates says Ryan Vero will join the company as senior vice president and president of the company's Grocery, Drug and Pharmacy division.

Vero was executive vice president and chief merchandising/marketing officer for OfficeMax, Inc. At Sears, he will be responsible for the oversight, leadership and growth, both in-store and online, for the company's Grocery, Drug and Pharmacy businesses.

“Ryan's breadth and depth of experience in both stores and online make him a terrific fit to lead these very important businesses at our company,” said Ron Boire, Sears Holdings' executive vice president, chief merchandising officer and president, Sears and Kmart formats. “Ryan is a proven executive who focuses on customers and innovation, two key qualities that support our drive to be the leader in integrated retail.”

Vero has more than 17 years of experience with OfficeMax. In his most recent position he was responsible for merchandising, marketing, new channels, and eCommerce business, in addition to global sourcing, private brands, product development and pricing. Vero received a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y.

“I am excited about the opportunity to join Sears Holdings and provide our customers and Members greater value in all areas of health and wellness while serving them at over 920 pharmacy locations nationwide,” Vero said.