CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. has promoted senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Ken Martindale to president and extended its wellness+ loyalty program.

Rite Aid Corp. has promoted senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Ken Martindale to president and extended its wellness+ loyalty program.

Executives say the 53-year-old Martindale, who retains the title of COO, has spearheaded a series of changes and innovation at the company in the past few years.

“Ken’s appointment as president and chief operating officer is an opportunity for Rite Aid to further leverage his exceptional leadership skills, broad operating experience and strategic capabilities as we continue to focus on successfully growing our business,” chief executive officer John Standley says.

He explains that as COO, Martindale helped create the company’s wellness+ program, led the effort to develop its "wellness store" format and helped revive Rite Aid’s pharmacy department by expanding the services it offers. He also led efforts to recreate front-end merchandising, bring in new products and strengthen the chain’s digital presence.

With its loyalty card program flourishing, Rite Aid has added a new option, wellness65+, designed exclusively for seniors.

Rite Aid customers over age 65 who enroll in the new program are eligible for an expanded pharmacist consultation, in which they can have their medication regimen reviewed by a Rite Aid pharmacist and discuss immunizations, blood pressure screenings and Medicare Part D.

Wellness65+ members also get the same rewards and benefits as are offered in the wellness+ program, as well as 20% off qualifying purchases on the first Wednesday of each month and access to free health screenings.