Blooms the Chemist announces appointment of new CEO

Blooms The Chemist today announced Emmanuel Vavoulas will be appointed as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), commencing the role on 1 January 2022.

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 to facilitate a smooth handover to Emmanuel Vavoulas.

Emmanuel Vavoulas, currently Head of Retail at Blooms The Chemist, has more than 24 years’ experience in the pharmacy industry of which the past 15 years has been with the community pharmacy group.

“I am delighted Emmanuel will be appointed into the position of CEO. He was a standout candidate for the role,” said Phil Smith.

“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.

“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, Emmanuel Vavoulas will lead its continued national growth strategy as Australia’s leading community pharmacy group.
“Blooms The Chemist is a fantastic business,” said Emmanuel 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.

“For the last 15 years I’ve been privileged to have worked at different levels across the company and with many great people, both in our store and in our support office, which has helped me arrive where I am today.

“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 2,000 professionals. The opportunity also comes at a time where the role of community pharmacy and Pharmacists has been elevated to the frontline of healthcare.

“During a time of intense need, we have formed a deeper understanding and connection with our customers and patients, and we are energised to be on the forefront of innovation and transformation that is for the betterment of not only Pharmacists and their teams, but for the wider communities we serve.

“Our network of almost 110 pharmacies, and growing, is successful because our stores are owned by locals for locals, where our teams form genuine, trusted relationships with their customers.

“The pharmacy environment will continue to evolve, embracing new technology and design behind the counter, on the shop floor and in clinical service areas. We must remember we are also a retail business.

“It will be my role to futureproof Blooms The Chemist to stay in front of the evolving needs of the communities in which we serve, inspiring patients to utilise the broad range of health services and provide an enjoyable shopping and customer experience across all channels,” he concludes.

John Thorne, Chairman, Blooms The Chemist, said: “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.”

Outgoing CEO Phil Smith is committed to the Blooms The Chemist business and would be open to remaining on the Board, should that opportunity present itself.

Emmanuel Vavoulas biography
Emmanuel Vavoulas has been a Pharmacist for over 22 years, joining the Blooms The Chemist network in 2006. During this time, Emmanuel has owned several Blooms The Chemist stores and held the position of Ethical Buyer for Blooms Support Office. In 2020, Emmanuel moved into the role of Head of Retail, working with Blooms Support Office’s Operations team to provide support and guidance for the wider store network. Emmanuel sees his role in community pharmacy as a true vocation; passionate about building and nurturing relationships with customers, he is committed to working with other health professionals to deliver exceptional care to the community.