Jeffrey A. Rein, BSPharm
President & CEO, Walgreen Co., Retired
There’s a Walgreens on almost every corner, and Jeffrey Rein is the person who can tell you why.
“It reflects growing prescription volume,” Rein, the retired chief executive officer and president of Walgreen Co., said in an interview with UA’s Alumnus Magazine in 2004. “Folks are moving to Arizona, new drugs are coming out, and people are taking more drugs on a day-to-day basis.”
Rein, who says there are 229 Walgreen stores in Arizona at the moment, attended UA to receive a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1974 and a bachelor’s in pharmacy in 1980. He worked for Defender Drug during college, spent a few years at Long's Drugs in California and started working at Walgreens as an assistant store manager in 1982. He then proceeded to work his way up the ranks.
After serving as store manager, divisional vice president and treasurer, vice president of marketing systems and services, among other high-ranking positions, Rein became the chief executive officer and president of Walgreen Co. in July 2006.
His success in the business world of pharmacy can be attributed to his management philosophy, which he says is based on respect for individuals and belief in their abilities.
“People in management must learn you can’t do everything yourself,” he says. “There’s no way. The folks who try to micromanage and control everything don’t do well. You have to allow for entrepreneurial spirit and let others take control.
“One of my contributions has been to pull people together,” he continues. “People feel comfortable around me, which allows me to break down some walls and put people together to get things done. I think people working with me feel like part of the team – that they make a difference.”
Rein serves on the board of directors for several cultural and business organizations, such as Midwest Young Artists, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Midtown Educational Foundation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association. He is also a member of the College of Pharmacy National Advisory Board.
When he’s not serving on a board or working at Walgreens, Rein can be found reading, bicycling, lifting weights, watching foreign films or traveling with his family.
He and his wife, Susan, have two children. They live in Lincolnshire, Ill.
“I feel very lucky,” Rein says. “I’m at a good place in my life. I’m where I wanted to be when I imagined myself being able to help folks and influence others in a positive fashion.”