H. D. Smith Reorganizes National Leadership for Continued Focus on Regional Customer Needs; Support Company Growth

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- H. D. Smith, among the nation's largest pharmaceutical wholesalers, today announced a reorganization of its national operations to meet unique regional needs of its customers.  Regions will now be organized into West comprising divisions in California, Illinois, Kentucky and Texas, and East with divisions in Florida, New England, New York Metro.  The two regions will be overseen by veteran senior leaders Tom Twitty, Corporate Vice President, Drug Divisions West and Christian Herrington, Corporate Vice President, Drug Divisions East.  Both executives will report to Chris Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer, H. D. Smith.

These changes also reflect the decision of H. D. Smith senior leader, Harvey Tanenbaum, Executive Vice President, to retire effective September 1, 2011.  The decision follows a successful 12-year career with H. D. Smith and more than 45 years pioneering customer service in the pharmacy industry.

"As H. D. Smith continues to grow, so too does our need for dedicated customer service oversight and operational excellence in every region we serve," said Chris Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer, H. D. Smith. "This reorganization enables continued growth and provides new services to our customers – while maintaining focused support for each customer individually.  Christian Herrington and Tom Twitty, having come from senior leadership positions within H. D. Smith and having held national positions during their careers, truly understand and are dedicated to this mission."

The company's reorganization coincides with another significant leadership transition as H. D. Smith New York Metro Division founder and industry pioneer, Harvey Tanenbaum, announces his retirement.  Tanenbaum has served multiple roles at H. D. Smith since 2000, including head of business development and strategic planning.  Prior to joining the company, he was a pharmacist, independent pharmacy chain owner and executive within the health products distribution sector.  Tanenbaum was recently honored by Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Brooklyn College for his outstanding service as an alumnus.

"Harvey is a true pioneer in health-products distribution," said Dale Smith, Chairman and CEO, H. D. Smith.  "As a pharmacist who built up his own small chain in the New York metropolitan area, he went on to build our New York Metro Division for H. D. Smith from its inception.  Harvey leaves an indelible mark on H. D. Smith culture – one that our leadership and associates embrace:  that we must all remember to be customer-facing, first and foremost.  This is a wonderful legacy for our company, and the industry as a whole.  As Harvey looks toward retirement, we look forward to maintaining his commitment to the pharmacy community."

About H. D. Smith

Headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, H. D. Smith is among the largest national full-line, full-service wholesalers providing a complete line of pharmaceuticals, OTCs, HBAs, home healthcare products, durable medical equipment, seasonal merchandise and a wide array of marketing programs to retail pharmacies, regional chains and health systems. The company has distribution facilities in California, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Texas that service major markets throughout the United States.  Additional information about H. D. Smith can be found at hdsmith.com.

Contact:
Allison Worrell
H. D. Smith
Marketing Communications Manager
217-753-1688
[email protected]

Mark Marmur
Makovsky + Company, Inc.
Assistant Vice President
212-508-9670
[email protected]

SOURCE H. D. Smith