NEW YORK — Joe Magnacca has been promoted to president of greater New York drug chain Duane Reade. He formerly was executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

Joe Magnacca has been promoted to president of greater New York drug chain Duane Reade. He formerly was executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

A retailing veteran, Magnacca joined Duane Reade in October 2008 as senior vice president and chief merchandising officer. He came to the company from Shoppers Drug Mart, where he had led marketing and merchandising initiatives since 2002 and most recently had served as executive vice president of merchandising and category management.

Over the past couple of years Duane Reade has undergone a dramatic transformation, with Magnacca playing a key role. The retailer’s initiatives in urban retailing, marketing, customer loyalty, private label and beauty, among other areas, ultimately led to its acquisition by Walgreen Co. in February in a nearly $1.1 billion deal.