Emmanuel Vavoulas, currently Head of Retail at Blooms The Chemist, will reportedly be appointed as the company’s new CEO, and is expected to commence in the role on 1 January 2022.
To facilitate a smooth handover, current CEO Phil Smith, who has led the community pharmacy group for the past eight years, will continue in his role until 31 December 2021.
“I am delighted Emmanuel will be appointed into the into the position of CEO,” says Mr Smith.
With more than 24 years’ experience in the pharmacy industry of which the past 15 years has been with the Blooms The Chemist pharmacy group, Mr Smith says that “he was a standout candidate for the role”.
“Emmanuel has the unique experience of a successful pharmacy career at Blooms The Chemist and, for the past six years, a key member of our leadership team helping us strategically achieve our company’s sustainable, long-term success,” says Mr Smith.
“Emmanuel has the insight on what is required to take the business into its greatest period of growth and profitability.
“His extensive experience and knowledge of community pharmacy, and the opportunities ahead of us, makes him an exceptional leader for Blooms The Chemist.
“I look forward to working even more closely with him over the remainder of this year, so he’s ready to take this business forward in January.”
As Blooms The Chemist CEO, Mr Vavoulas will reportedly lead its continued national growth strategy as one of Australia’s leading community pharmacy group.
“Blooms The Chemist is a fantastic business,” says Mr Vavoulas.
“I feel humbled and enthusiastic for the opportunity to lead the company through its next exciting chapter of growth, and our strong focus on brand purpose, where we believe in a future where everyone, everywhere has access to good health and wellbeing.
“It’s an exciting challenge to which I believe I can bring my experience, passion and energy for community pharmacy, and lead a highly-skilled organisation of more than 2000 professionals.
“The opportunity also comes at a time where the role of community pharmacy and pharmacists has been elevated to the frontline of healthcare.”
John Thorne, Chairman, Blooms The Chemist, adds: “On behalf of the Board, we would like to congratulate Emmanuel Vavoulas on his appointment to the role of CEO.
“He was an outstanding candidate, and we look forward to working with him to continue the exceptional growth of our business.
“At the same time, we would like to thank Phil Smith for his stellar leadership of Blooms The Chemist and acknowledge his achievements for the business over the past eight years.
“We are also delighted Phil will work closely with Emmanuel over the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth transition.
“I am sure everyone will join me in wishing both Emmanuel and Phil every success in their next endeavours.”