SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brian Unmacht has been appointed president and CEO of Seattle-based, family-owned Bartell Drugs, the company announced today. Unmacht was named president of the 62-store chain in January 2015.
George D. Bartell has been the company’s CEO for the past 25 years and will continue to serve as chairman. Jean Bartell Barber is the company’s vice chairman and treasurer.
Unmacht, 54, joined Bartell Drugs following a 27-year career at REI, where he held a number of executive positions, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He joined Bartell Drugs’ board of directors in 2011.
Bartell, the grandson of founder George H. Bartell, said Unmacht’s appointment supports future succession plans as the company celebrates its 125th anniversary.
“Brian’s dedication to customer service, well-developed leadership skills and grasp of our day-to-day operations has been quickly demonstrated. In his expanded role, he will play a very important leadership role in positioning us for long range growth,” said Bartell.
Unmacht, a Seattle native, said the company’s long-time commitment to customer service has not wavered since 1890.
“It’s not only part of our heritage, it’s a key element for our future success here in the Puget Sound area,” he said. “We’re very focused on serving neighborhoods throughout the region to meet their health and wellness needs."
Members of the fourth generation of the Bartell family are engaged in the company’s succession transition, including Evelyn (Evie) Barber, who is re-joining the organization this year upon completion of graduate school. Other members of the family, including Hugh Barber, are spending time learning about the company’s operations.
About Bartell Drugs:
Family-owned since 1890, Seattle-based Bartell Drugs is proud to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2015 with customers and employees. Four generations of the Bartell family have continuously focused on the future - and how the drugstore chain could better serve its customers. Operating 62 locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, it is the nation’s oldest and largest family-owned drugstore chain. For more information on Bartell Drugs, visit www.bartelldrugs.com.
