Crawford retiring from Walgreens

Kermit Crawford, employed by Walgreens in various capacities over the past three decades, is retiring as the chain’s president of pharmacy, health, and wellness, the company announced today.

Crawford has announced plans to join the University of Southern California’s School of Pharmacy as executive in residence and senior advisor to the dean. Crawford will continue to serve as a senior counselor to Greg Wasson, Walgreens’ president and CEO. 

“Words cannot capture the magnitude of Kermit Crawford’s impact on Walgreens and our people, on America’s retail pharmacy industry, and on the health and wellbeing of millions of customers and patients we have been privileged to serve over the years,” Wasson said. “Kermit has been so much more than a colleague – he has been a mentor, a friend, an inspiration, a guiding light and the architect and driver of Walgreens strategy to advance the role of community pharmacy in America.” 

Crawford began his career with Walgreens as a pharmacy intern in 1983. Eventually, he served as pharmacist, store and district manager, and vice president of store operations. He also served as vice president of PBM pharmacy benefit management services. He was promoted to senior vice president in 2007 and then executive vice president of pharmacy services in 2010.

“After 31 years with Walgreens, starting as a pharmacy intern in my 20s, the time is right to retire from the company to broaden my horizons and seek new ways to serve,” Crawford said. “I love Walgreens, cherish my years and friends here and the incredibly dedicated people across the company. To me, community pharmacy has long been an unsung hero in our healthcare system, helping primary caregivers to provide convenient, affordable and essential health and wellness services in neighborhoods across America.”