Larry Merlo, President and Chief Executive Officer of CVS Health, emphasized the importance of finding a mentor and the expanding opportunities in the fast-growing pharmacy market during a recent talk hosted by the University of Rhode Island’s College of Pharmacy.

“There are many opportunities out there. Find yourself a mentor. There will be challenges but those mentors will help you during those times,” Merlo said.

Merlo, a pharmacist by education is committed to helping others build their careers. He spoke to a group of pharmacy students to discuss his successful journey from a pharmacy student to CEO of a Fortune 12 company, the changes taking place in health care, including challenges and accessibility to health care.

“The goal of this event was directly tied to our mission through the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists, which is to be the collective voice of pharmacy students, to provide opportunities for professional growth, and to envision and actively promote the future of pharmacy,” said Interim Dean E. Paul Larrat, College of Pharmacy.

Merlo joined CVS/pharmacy in 1990 through the company’s acquisition of Peoples Drug. Prior to assuming the role of President & CEO in 2011, Merlo was the President of CVS/pharmacy.

“It is important to make sure the right patients are getting the right medicines at the right time,” said Merlo. “Health care is much like the decisions you make when buying a car. You don’t go into buying a car without doing any research. Unique consumer insights allow CVS to develop effective plan designs specifically for the customers.”

He has received numerous professional honors, including his past role as chairman of the Board for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores where he still serves on the Board’s Executive Committee.

Merlo also serves on the University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees and is a member of the Business Roundtable. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.

“Mr. Merlo has received national attention in recent months for his leadership decisions, such as taking CVS tobacco-free,” said Myrna Bizer, senior director of Development for the College of Pharmacy. “He is also on the front lines of the national dialog that is helping shape the future of health care and the pharmacy profession.  I know all the pharmacy students in attendance appreciated not just his presentation, but the private conversations they had with him during the closing reception.”

This release was written by Caitlin Musselman, a URI Marketing and Communications intern and a public relations and political science major.

Media Contact: Dave Lavallee, 401-874-5862