Podcast Summary: The CPG Guys – "Health and Wellness with Walmart’s Kevin Host"
Episode Details:
- Title: Health and Wellness with Walmart’s Kevin Host
- Hosts: Peter V.S. Bond & Sri Rajagopalan
- Guest: Kevin Host, Senior Vice President of Walmart Health and Wellness Pharmacy
- Release Date: June 14, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The CPG Guys, hosts Peter V.S. Bond and Sri Rajagopalan welcome Kevin Host, the Senior Vice President of Walmart Health and Wellness Pharmacy. The discussion centers around Walmart's evolving role in the health and wellness sector, emphasizing omnichannel strategies, leadership principles, data utilization, and the integration of retail media within the pharmacy domain.
Kevin Host’s Role at Walmart
Kevin begins by outlining his responsibilities at Walmart, highlighting his oversight of the pharmacy operations spanning 4,600 pharmacies across super centers and neighborhood markets, five central fill pharmacies, mail order/petmed Pharmacy, and Specialty Pharmacy. Additionally, he manages approximately 3,000 vision centers.
Kevin Host [04:27]: "I oversee all of that and then also my field teams oversee the operations of our roughly 3,000 vision centers."
Comparing Pharmacy to Front-of-Store Operations
Kevin draws parallels between pharmacy operations and other merchandising segments, emphasizing Walmart's unified mission to provide essential products and services at affordable prices.
Kevin Host [05:36]: "We all row the same direction around here. We're people-led, tech-powered, we're an omnichannel retailer and we're dedicated to helping people save money and live better."
He underscores the importance of trust in the pharmacy sector, given the sensitive nature of healthcare and personal information.
Omnichannel Strategy in Pharmacy
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Walmart's omnichannel approach, integrating prescription delivery with grocery and general merchandise shopping to enhance customer convenience.
Kevin Host [08:56]: "We allow them to link their prescription profile with their e-commerce profile and that enables them to shop all of their needs in a one-stop shop."
Key initiatives include:
- Pharmacy Delivery: Available in 49 states, allowing same-day delivery of combined orders.
- Pet Pharmacy Services: Offering affordable pet prescriptions and insurance, catering to the growing pet care market.
- Health Services: Including diabetes nutrition counseling and primary care testing in select stores.
Leadership Principles and Servant Leadership
Kevin delves into his leadership philosophy, firmly rooted in "servant leadership," a concept he relates to both his personal growth and Walmart’s corporate culture.
Kevin Host [13:41]: "One of the principles of leadership that I ascribe to is servant leadership... Our core values come out in terms of how we rise, respect the individual, act with integrity, serve the customer, and strive for excellence."
He highlights the importance of mentoring and fostering a supportive environment for associates, which contributes to high tenure rates among Walmart pharmacists.
Enhancing Pharmacy Access and Advocacy
As chair of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), Kevin discusses his efforts to advocate for pharmacy access amid rising reimbursement pressures from Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
Kevin Host [22:15]: "Our priority was to fight together for meaningful reform to preserve pharmacy access for all communities."
He references international models, such as in Canada and the UK, where pharmacists have expanded roles in primary care, and expresses Walmart's commitment to similar advancements to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved areas.
Leveraging Data for Operational Excellence
Kevin emphasizes the strategic use of data in optimizing pharmacy operations, from determining the placement of central fill pharmacies to enhancing delivery logistics through Walmart's AI-powered platform, Spark.
Kevin Host [27:02]: "We have a predictive model that we use to help with forecasting the hours that we'll need to provide service to our customers as well as the schedules that we'll need for our associates."
This data-driven approach enables Walmart to anticipate pharmacy visit spikes, manage resources efficiently, and expand delivery services to over 12 million additional households.
Integration of Retail Media in Pharmacy
Addressing retail media's role, Kevin acknowledges its nascent stage within pharmacy operations but sees significant potential in leveraging Walmart’s extensive data to enhance health-related advertising and awareness.
Kevin Host [31:38]: "We're working with manufacturers who want to bring awareness about their product and the condition that it treats... Retail media is a really key facet to our future."
Collaborations include mobile wellness centers that offer health screenings and consultations in high-need communities, aligning with Walmart's mission to increase healthcare accessibility.
Future Trends: Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy
Looking ahead, Kevin outlines Walmart's vision for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to further streamline pharmacy services, enhance customer experience, and maintain competitive pricing.
Kevin Host [34:22]: "AI is seeping in... We're just getting started on that journey. So much more to come."
Examples include:
- Predictive Analytics: For forecasting demand and optimizing staffing.
- Enhanced Delivery Systems: Utilizing AI to improve delivery precision and efficiency.
- Personalized Customer Interactions: Leveraging AI to tailor services and recommendations based on individual customer data.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with gratitude expressed by the hosts towards Kevin for sharing insights into Walmart's comprehensive health and wellness pharmacy operations. Kevin reiterates Walmart's commitment to leveraging technology, fostering community trust, and expanding healthcare services to meet evolving consumer needs.
Kevin Host [38:18]: "I really appreciate the opportunity."
Key Takeaways
- Omnichannel Integration: Seamlessly combining online and in-store services to enhance customer convenience.
- Servant Leadership: Prioritizing employee and customer well-being to drive organizational success.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing extensive data assets to optimize operations and predict consumer behaviors.
- Advocacy for Pharmacy Access: Working with industry bodies to ensure widespread access to pharmacy services.
- Future of AI in Pharmacy: Anticipating significant advancements through AI to further revolutionize the pharmacy experience.
This episode offers a comprehensive look into how Walmart is innovating within the health and wellness pharmacy sector, emphasizing the importance of technology, leadership, and community-centric approaches in shaping the future of retail pharmacy.