Walmart hires Dr. Cheryl Pegus to oversee health and wellness business

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 1,381 views 

Walmart opens it newest Heath Center on Elm Springs Road and Interstate 49 in Springdale. The grand opening will be June 24.

Walmart has hired Dr. Cheryl Pegus as executive vice president of health & wellness. She will report to U.S. CEO John Furner and will begin Dec. 21.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Pegus to the Walmart family to advance our efforts to continue exploring healthcare solutions for customers and associates, and helping Americans live better – and healthier,” Furner said. “She is an exceptional leader who will help us deliver care of the highest quality that people can receive at the right time, regardless of insurance coverage. This has never been more important as it is now, while the pandemic continues to put a strain on our healthcare system.”

Pegus most recently worked at Cambia Health Solutions as president of consumer health solutions and chief medical officer. She was responsible for clinical and consumer strategy to increase access to affordable, equitable care. She also directed platform consumer solutions including Journi, clinical services, pharmacy, provider and medical management activities.

Prior to that, Pegus worked in private practice for several years as a cardiologist and a stint at Pfizer where she focused on the development of clinical protocols and early disease management programs. She also served at Aetna, where her work supported a focus on wellness, women’s health, health equity initiatives and predictive analytics. She also served as the first chief medical officer at Walgreens.

“I am humbled to be joining the Walmart organization and for the opportunity to partner internally and externally to build upon existing initiatives for accessible and affordable care for associates and the communities we serve,” Pegus said.

Pegus sits on the board of the American Heart Association and is the immediate past board chair for the Association of Black Cardiologists. She received her bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University. Her medical doctorate is from Weill Cornell Medical College, and she has a master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

Walmart Health & Wellness consists of more than 4,700 pharmacies, more than 3,400 Vision Centers, Walmart Health centers, digital health capabilities and Walmart Insurance Services.