Wal-Mart announced yesterday that it has hired Dr. John Agwunobi, the assistant secretary for health for the U.S. Health and Human Services Department and an admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, to run its health and wellness units.
According to the company, Agwunobi will have a dual role. On the retail side, he will oversee the company’s in-store medical clinics, pharmacies and vision centers, creating a broad and cohesive health-related strategy for the company’s stores.
But he also will have a human resources function, helping to make both more efficient and effective Wal-Mart’s health care coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
Agwunobi is a pediatrician by training who also holds master's degrees in business administration and public health. He starts with Wal-Mart on September 4.
According to the company, Agwunobi will have a dual role. On the retail side, he will oversee the company’s in-store medical clinics, pharmacies and vision centers, creating a broad and cohesive health-related strategy for the company’s stores.
But he also will have a human resources function, helping to make both more efficient and effective Wal-Mart’s health care coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
Agwunobi is a pediatrician by training who also holds master's degrees in business administration and public health. He starts with Wal-Mart on September 4.
- KC's View:
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Don’t know Agwunobi or his work, but on the face of it, this is a very smart hire.
MNB has used this quote ad nauseum, but it is always worth repeating the comment by Bob Johansen of the Institute for the Future that In 10 years, consumers will be using “health” as a guiding principle in virtually every acquisition.
Since Wal-Mart would like to have a considerable share of “every acquisition,” it is smart to lay the groundwork now for an effective, efficient and cohesive strategy.
