Independent Pharmacies of Australia Group (IPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new General Manager of Merchandise, Darragh O’Se, effective Monday, 2 September 2024.
Darragh joins the IPA team bringing a wealth of experience in merchandise management, having held senior roles at Woolworths Group and Blooms the Chemist, with significant expertise from Smyth’s Toys Superstores in the UK, Central Europe, and Amazon Australia. Darragh has a strong track record of using insights to develop impactful category strategies and has consistently delivered exceptional results. Additionally, as an active Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply member, Darragh exemplifies his commitment to professional excellence and industry knowledge.
“I am thrilled to be joining IPA during the exciting growth phase,” said Darragh. “I am dedicated to delivering exceptional value to IPA members and growing supplier brands to create a positive impact in Australian communities. I’m also very excited to work with the IPA team to achieve our collective goals.” Darragh will lead a team of 32 category, procurement and logistics specialists in a newly structured IPA Merchandise team.
Lynne Gallucci, who joined IPA as Chief Operating Officer in March 2024 said “The Merchandise restructure responds to member and supplier partner feedback to focus on areas that have been jointly identified for a successful business partnership. Our focus is to unify independent pharmacies to deliver scale, simplify the way we do business and our pharmacies’ operations, and amplify the great products, services and programs that our pharmacies provide to their communities.”
In addition to this pivotal appointment, IPA is confirming several team changes within the Merchandise team to enhance operational efficiency and support its strategic initiatives:
- Natasha Beck – Head of Buying
- Suzi Ebeyer – Head of MerchandiseServices
- Matt Marsh – Head of Merchandise Operations
Steven Kastrinakis, IPA Managing Director, said, “I am excited to welcome to Darragh to the team and am confident that with his leadership of the Merchandise team, IPA will bring continued success and growth for our 1100 members across Australia and our valued supplier partners.”
The IPA Merchandise team changes will strengthen support for IPA members by providing strategic category plans including ranging, pricing, and promotions, in a fast-evolving pharmacy industry.
