Walmart has hired Cheryl Pegus, MD, a cardiologist with years of corporate experience, to serve as the company’s new executive vice president of health and wellness.
Pegus spent years working in private practice before taking jobs at such high-profile organizations as Aetna, Pfizer and Cambia Health Solutions. She is also a board member of the American Heart Association (AHA) and recently served as the board chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists. She won the AHA’s Chairman’s Award in 2019 for “outstanding volunteer efforts to reduce health disparities.”
In addition, Pegus co-founded A New Beat, an organization focused on improving the cardiovascular health of under-represented patient populations.
In her new role, Pegus will help oversee more than 4,700 pharmacies, more than 3,400 vision centers, Walmart Insurance Services and much more. Her first day is scheduled to be Dec. 21.
“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 in a statement announcing the news.
“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,” added John Furner, CEO of Walmart U.S. “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.”
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.