CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — Cencora (NYSE: COR) has appointed former Verizon executive Samantha Hammock as chief human resources officer, bringing in an external leader to oversee workforce strategy for the pharmaceutical distributor’s more than 51,000 employees as longtime HR chief Silvana Battaglia prepares to retire.
Hammock will join the company on July 13 as executive vice president and chief human resources officer, succeeding Battaglia after seven years in the role.
The leadership transition places a veteran human resources executive from one of the nation’s largest telecommunications companies in charge of talent, workforce planning and organizational development at a company that sits at the center of the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
Hammock most recently served as executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Verizon Communications. Before joining Verizon, she held senior human resources leadership positions at American Express, including head of global talent and learning.
In her new role, Hammock will report directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Mauch and serve on Cencora’s enterprise leadership team, overseeing the company’s global human resources strategy.
Battaglia will transition to a special advisor role on July 13 and remain with the company through the end of 2026 to support the leadership handoff.
The succession comes as healthcare and pharmaceutical companies continue to focus on workforce development, talent retention and organizational transformation amid competition for skilled employees and increasing operational complexity.
Mauch credited Battaglia with helping guide the company during a period of expansion, noting that her leadership strengthened the organization’s culture and employee programs.
Hammock pointed to Cencora’s role in the pharmaceutical supply chain and indicated her focus will include workforce transformation and employee development.
“Great organizations are built by great people,” Hammock stated. “I look forward to working with Bob and the leadership team to advance Cencora’s workforce transformation, strengthen its culture and empower team members to grow, thrive and help shape the company’s future.”
Cencora, formerly AmerisourceBergen, is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare services companies.
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