Walgreens CIO Quits, Forming Marketing Startup

It has been a hectic few months at Walgreens. The company is still working diligently to hammer out the details of its merger with Rite Aid and get it approved by the FTC. And now its CIO Abhi Dhar has announced that he will be leaving the company next month.

Dhar has taken the lead on Walgreens’ digital and mobile platforms and is credited with developing the brand’s highly successful mobile application. In an interview with CIO.com Dhar confirmed his departure and announced his plans post-Walgreens.

“’At this point in my life, if I don’t pursue the entrepreneurship path, I fear I never will and will live to regret it,” Dhar told CIO.com via e-mail. He plans to launch and act as CEO of an online retailer marketing services company and is currently pursuing investors to help grow his vision into reality.

The departure of Dhar leaves some big shoes for Walgreens to fill. He was responsible for leading the IT function across the company with a focus on consumer-facing digital solutions and innovations. He was also a member of the company’s Enterprise Operating Committee. The company has yet to release a statement on Dhar’s departure or announce plans for a replacement.