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'''Robert P. Mauch''', PharmD, PhD, is an American corporate executive and pharmacist who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of [[Cencora|Cencora, Inc.]] (NYSE: COR), one of the largest pharmaceutical distribution companies in the United States. He assumed the role of President and CEO in October 2024, succeeding Steven H. Collis, who transitioned to the position of executive chairman of the company's board of directors.<ref name="drugstorenews">{{cite news |date=2024-03-14 |title=Cencora's CEO Steve Collis to retire, Robert Mauch to take reins as president/CEO |url=https://drugstorenews.com/cencoras-ceo-steve-collis-retire-robert-mauch-take-reins-presidentceo |work=Drug Store News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Before becoming CEO, Mauch served as the company's Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the operational strategy and infrastructure of a firm that distributes pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers, pharmacies, and manufacturers across the globe. His leadership has been characterized by significant investment in the company's U.S. distribution network and a focus on innovations aimed at accelerating the delivery of treatments to patients.<ref name="reuters">{{cite news |date=2025-11-05 |title=Cencora to invest $1 billion on US drug distribution, posts upbeat 2026 forecast |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/cencora-invest-1-billion-us-drug-distribution-posts-upbeat-2026-forecast-2025-11-05/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Mauch holds both a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), reflecting a career grounded in pharmaceutical science and healthcare operations.<ref name="brt">{{cite web |title=Robert P. Mauch, PharmD, PhD |url=https://www.businessroundtable.org/about-us/members/robert-p.-mauch,-pharmd,-phd |publisher=Business Roundtable |date=2024-10-28 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
'''Robert P. Mauch''', PharmD, PhD, is an American corporate executive and pharmacist who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of [[Cencora|Cencora, Inc.]] (NYSE: COR), one of the largest pharmaceutical distribution companies in the United States.<ref name="brt">{{cite web |title=Robert P. Mauch, PharmD, PhD |url=https://www.businessroundtable.org/about-us/members/robert-p.-mauch,-pharmd,-phd |publisher=Business Roundtable |date=October 28, 2024 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Formerly known as AmerisourceBergen, Cencora is a Fortune 500 company that plays a central role in the pharmaceutical supply chain, distributing drugs to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers across the United States and internationally. Mauch assumed the role of President and CEO in October 2024, succeeding longtime chief executive Steven H. Collis, who transitioned to the role of executive chairman.<ref name="dsn">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=March 14, 2024 |title=Cencora's CEO Steve Collis to retire, Robert Mauch to take reins as president/CEO |url=https://drugstorenews.com/cencoras-ceo-steve-collis-retire-robert-mauch-take-reins-presidentceo |work=Drug Store News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Prior to becoming CEO, Mauch served as Cencora's Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the company's pharmaceutical distribution operations and strategic initiatives. A trained pharmacist with both a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Mauch has spent much of his career in the pharmaceutical distribution industry, rising through various leadership positions within the company.<ref name="brt" /> His appointment to the top executive role reflected the company's emphasis on continuity of leadership and operational expertise during a period of significant transformation in the pharmaceutical supply chain.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Robert P. Mauch holds two doctoral-level degrees: a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).<ref name="brt" /> His academic background in pharmaceutical sciences provided a foundation for his career in the healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution industry. The dual doctoral credentials distinguish him among pharmaceutical industry executives and reflect a trajectory that combined clinical pharmacy training with advanced research.<ref name="citybiz">{{cite web |title=Robert Mauch Appointed CEO of Cencora |url=https://www.citybiz.co/article/530786/robert-mauch-appointed-ceo-of-cencora/ |publisher=citybiz |date=2024-03-12 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Robert P. Mauch holds advanced academic credentials in the pharmaceutical sciences. He earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).<ref name="brt" /><ref name="citybiz">{{cite web |title=Robert Mauch Appointed CEO of Cencora |url=https://www.citybiz.co/article/530786/robert-mauch-appointed-ceo-of-cencora/ |publisher=citybiz |date=March 12, 2024 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His dual doctoral-level education in pharmacy distinguishes him among pharmaceutical industry executives and reflects a deep academic grounding in the science and practice of pharmacy, which has informed his approach to leading one of the nation's largest drug distribution enterprises. His academic background has been cited in professional profiles as underpinning his understanding of the pharmaceutical products and healthcare systems that Cencora serves.<ref name="brt" />


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early Career and Rise at AmerisourceBergen ===
=== Rise within Cencora ===


Before ascending to the top leadership role at Cencora, Mauch built an extensive career within the company, which was formerly known as AmerisourceBergen prior to its rebranding in 2023. He progressed through a series of leadership positions that gave him broad operational experience across the firm's pharmaceutical distribution and services businesses. By the time of his appointment as Chief Operating Officer, Mauch had developed deep expertise in the logistics, regulatory, and commercial dimensions of large-scale pharmaceutical distribution.<ref name="inquirer">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-03-12 |title=Cencora, a massive pharma distributor based in Conshohocken, announces CEO succession plan |url=https://www.inquirer.com/health/cencora-ceo-bob-mauch-replaces-steve-collis-20240312.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Before becoming CEO, Mauch held the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cencora, Inc.<ref name="dsn" /><ref name="citybiz" /> In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the company's core pharmaceutical distribution operations, which encompass one of the largest networks of drug distribution centers in the United States. The COO role placed Mauch at the center of the company's day-to-day operations and strategic planning, providing him with direct oversight of the infrastructure, logistics, and partnerships that form the backbone of Cencora's business model.<ref name="brt" />


=== Chief Operating Officer ===
Cencora, which operated under the name AmerisourceBergen until its rebranding in 2023, is one of the "Big Three" pharmaceutical distributors in the United States, alongside McKesson and Cardinal Health. The company distributes branded and generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, and home healthcare supplies to a broad range of healthcare providers.<ref name="inquirer">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=March 12, 2024 |title=Cencora, a massive pharma distributor based in Conshohocken, announces CEO succession plan |url=https://www.inquirer.com/health/cencora-ceo-bob-mauch-replaces-steve-collis-20240312.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Mauch's tenure in the COO role positioned him as the natural successor to Steven Collis, who had served as CEO since 2011.


As Chief Operating Officer of Cencora, Mauch was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company's vast distribution network. The company, headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, ranks among the largest pharmaceutical distributors in the United States, playing a central role in the supply chain that connects drug manufacturers with pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.<ref name="inquirer" /> In this capacity, Mauch managed the operational infrastructure that facilitated the movement of pharmaceutical products worth billions of dollars annually. His tenure as COO positioned him as the leading internal candidate to succeed Steven Collis, who had served as CEO since 2011.<ref name="drugstorenews" />
=== Appointment as President and CEO ===
 
On March 12, 2024, Cencora announced a leadership succession plan under which Mauch would succeed Steven H. Collis as President and Chief Executive Officer.<ref name="dsn" /><ref name="inquirer" /> Under the plan, Collis was to transition from the CEO role to the position of executive chairman of Cencora's board of directors, while Mauch would assume the top executive position and also be appointed as a member of the board.<ref name="citybiz" />


=== Appointment as President and CEO ===
The announcement was reported by multiple news outlets, including ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'', ''Drug Store News'', and ''citybiz''. The ''Inquirer'' described Cencora as "among the largest pharmaceutical distributors in the United States" and noted that Mauch had been selected to lead the company through a period of ongoing change in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.<ref name="inquirer" /> ''Drug Store News'' characterized the transition as reflecting the company's commitment to leadership continuity, with Collis remaining involved in an executive chairman capacity while Mauch took operational control.<ref name="dsn" />


On March 12, 2024, Cencora announced that Mauch would succeed Steven H. Collis as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 2024. Collis, who had led the company through its rebranding from AmerisourceBergen to Cencora and had overseen a period of significant growth, announced his plans to transition to the role of executive chairman of the board of directors.<ref name="drugstorenews" /> The succession plan was described by the company as a planned leadership transition designed to ensure continuity in strategic direction.
Mauch officially transitioned into the role of President and CEO in October 2024.<ref name="brt" /> Upon taking the position, Mauch was described by the Business Roundtable—of which he became a member—as being "focused on building on" the company's existing strategy and furthering its role in the pharmaceutical supply chain.<ref name="brt" />


The ''Philadelphia Inquirer'' reported that the selection of Mauch, who was already serving as COO, reflected the board's confidence in his operational leadership and his understanding of the pharmaceutical distribution landscape.<ref name="inquirer" /> The announcement also noted that Mauch would simultaneously be appointed as a member of the Cencora board of directors upon assuming the CEO role.<ref name="citybiz" />
=== First Year as CEO ===


Mauch formally assumed the position of President and CEO in October 2024.<ref name="brt" /> Upon taking the helm, he stated that his focus would be on building on the company's existing strengths while addressing the evolving complexities of pharmaceutical distribution.<ref name="pharmexec">{{cite news |date=2025-10-21 |title=Bob Mauch: Strengthening the Chain |url=https://www.pharmexec.com/view/bob-mauch-strengthening-the-chain |work=Pharmaceutical Executive |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Mauch's first year at the helm of Cencora was marked by a number of significant strategic and operational developments. In an October 2025 interview with ''Pharmaceutical Executive'', Mauch discussed the lessons learned during his initial year as CEO and addressed the complex challenges facing pharmaceutical distribution, including supply chain resilience, regulatory pressures, and the evolving landscape of specialty and biosimilar drugs.<ref name="pharmexec">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=October 21, 2025 |title=Bob Mauch: Strengthening the Chain |url=https://www.pharmexec.com/view/bob-mauch-strengthening-the-chain |work=Pharmaceutical Executive |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Leadership of Cencora ===
In a December 2025 feature in ''Modern Healthcare'', Mauch spoke about the modernization of pharmaceutical distribution, describing the company's efforts to deliver medicines to patients more efficiently and to introduce innovations that reduce the time required to bring treatments from manufacturers to the point of care. The interview characterized Cencora's evolution as moving "from warehouse to wellness," reflecting the company's expanding role beyond traditional drug warehousing and logistics into areas of patient services and healthcare innovation.<ref name="modernhealthcare">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=December 8, 2025 |title=Warehouse to wellness: Bob Mauch on modern pharmaceutical distribution |url=http://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-warehouse-to-wellness-mauch-modern-pharmaceutical-distribution/ |work=Modern Healthcare |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


During his first year as CEO, Mauch oversaw several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Cencora's position in the pharmaceutical distribution industry. In an October 2025 interview with ''Pharmaceutical Executive'', Mauch discussed lessons learned during his first year leading the company and the challenges posed by an increasingly complex future for pharmaceutical distribution. He addressed topics including the need to adapt distribution infrastructure to accommodate new types of therapies, including specialty pharmaceuticals and cell and gene therapies, which require different handling and logistics compared to traditional medications.<ref name="pharmexec" />
=== Major Investment and Financial Performance ===


==== $1 Billion Investment Initiative ====
One of the most significant announcements during Mauch's tenure came in November 2025, when Cencora disclosed plans to invest over $1 billion through 2030 to expand its U.S. drug distribution network. The investment, reported by Reuters, was described as part of the company's strategy to strengthen its infrastructure in response to growing demand for pharmaceutical distribution services and to increase the capacity and efficiency of its facilities across the country.<ref name="reuters">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=November 5, 2025 |title=Cencora to invest $1 billion on US drug distribution, posts upbeat 2026 forecast |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/cencora-invest-1-billion-us-drug-distribution-posts-upbeat-2026-forecast-2025-11-05/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


One of the most significant strategic moves under Mauch's leadership was announced in November 2025, when Cencora disclosed plans to invest more than $1 billion through 2030 to expand its U.S. drug distribution network. The investment, reported by Reuters, was described as part of the company's effort to modernize and scale its distribution capabilities in response to growing demand for pharmaceutical products and the increasing complexity of the supply chain.<ref name="reuters" />
The billion-dollar investment plan was announced alongside the company's fiscal year 2025 fourth quarter and full-year financial results. According to a Business Wire press release dated November 5, 2025, Cencora reported that revenue in its fiscal year 2025 fourth quarter (ended September 30, 2025) increased 5.9 percent compared to the prior year period.<ref name="businesswire">{{cite web |title=Cencora Reports Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year End Results |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251105392361/en/Cencora-Reports-Fiscal-2025-Fourth-Quarter-and-Fiscal-Year-End-Results |publisher=Business Wire |date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The company also issued an upbeat forecast for fiscal year 2026, signaling confidence in the trajectory of its business under Mauch's leadership.<ref name="reuters" />


The announcement coincided with the release of Cencora's fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and fiscal year-end results for the period ended September 30, 2025. The company reported that revenue in the fiscal year 2025 fourth quarter increased 5.9 percent compared to the prior-year period, and the company issued an upbeat forecast for fiscal year 2026.<ref name="businesswire">{{cite web |title=Cencora Reports Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year End Results |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251105392361/en/Cencora-Reports-Fiscal-2025-Fourth-Quarter-and-Fiscal-Year-End-Results |publisher=Business Wire |date=2025-11-05 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The positive financial results and the ambitious investment plan signaled confidence in the company's growth trajectory under Mauch's leadership.
The combination of strong revenue growth and a forward-looking infrastructure investment plan positioned Cencora as an aggressive competitor in the pharmaceutical distribution sector during the first full fiscal year of Mauch's tenure as CEO. The $1 billion investment, in particular, was notable as a signal of the company's commitment to expanding its physical distribution capabilities at a time when the pharmaceutical industry was grappling with the increasing complexity of drug supply chains, including the growth of specialty pharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapies, and temperature-sensitive biologics.


==== Innovations in Pharmaceutical Distribution ====
=== Industry Context ===


In a December 2025 feature published by ''Modern Healthcare'', Mauch discussed the transformation of pharmaceutical distribution from a primarily warehouse-based logistics operation to a more integrated component of the broader healthcare ecosystem. The interview, titled "Warehouse to wellness," explored Mauch's perspective on how Cencora was working to deliver vital medicines to patients more efficiently and on innovations designed to reduce the time required to bring treatments from manufacturers to the point of care.<ref name="modernhealthcare">{{cite news |date=2025-12-08 |title=Warehouse to wellness: Bob Mauch on modern pharmaceutical distribution |url=http://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-warehouse-to-wellness-mauch-modern-pharmaceutical-distribution/ |work=Modern Healthcare |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Mauch assumed the CEO role at a time when the pharmaceutical distribution industry was undergoing significant changes. The three largest U.S. drug distributors—Cencora, McKesson, and Cardinal Health—collectively handle the vast majority of pharmaceutical products distributed in the country. These companies serve as the critical link between drug manufacturers and the pharmacies, hospitals, and health systems that dispense medications to patients.


Mauch emphasized the role of technology and data in improving distribution operations, as well as the importance of the distributor's position in ensuring supply chain resilience—a topic that gained heightened prominence during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in pharmaceutical and medical supply chains globally.<ref name="modernhealthcare" />
The industry has faced scrutiny in recent years over its role in the opioid crisis, drug pricing pressures, and the complexities of distributing increasingly specialized therapies. Cencora, under its previous name AmerisourceBergen, was among the distributors that reached settlement agreements related to opioid-related litigation. Mauch's leadership has been characterized in industry media as focused on strengthening the supply chain, investing in technology and infrastructure, and positioning Cencora to handle the next generation of pharmaceutical products, including biosimilars and advanced therapies.<ref name="pharmexec" /><ref name="modernhealthcare" />


=== Business Roundtable Membership ===
The ''Pharmaceutical Executive'' profile of Mauch in October 2025 explored his perspective on "tackling a complex future for pharma distribution," noting his emphasis on operational resilience and adaptability as key priorities.<ref name="pharmexec" /> In the ''Modern Healthcare'' interview, Mauch described innovations within Cencora's operations aimed at cutting the time it takes to bring treatments to patients, reflecting a broader industry trend toward speed, precision, and patient-centered distribution models.<ref name="modernhealthcare" />


Following his appointment as CEO of Cencora, Mauch was included as a member of the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of major U.S. companies. His membership in the organization, which advocates on economic and policy issues, reflects Cencora's standing as one of the largest companies in the American healthcare sector.<ref name="brt" />
== Professional Affiliations ==


== Cencora Under Mauch's Leadership ==
In October 2024, coinciding with his assumption of the CEO role, Mauch was listed as a member of the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of leading American companies. The Business Roundtable profile described him as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cencora, Inc., and noted his academic credentials.<ref name="brt" /> Membership in the Business Roundtable places Mauch among a group of CEOs who collectively lead companies with more than 20 million employees and more than $10 trillion in annual revenues, and who participate in policy discussions on economic and business issues at the national level.


Cencora, Inc. (NYSE: COR), the company Mauch leads, is one of the largest pharmaceutical distribution and solutions companies in the world. Formerly known as AmerisourceBergen, the company rebranded as Cencora in 2023. It is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia.<ref name="inquirer" />
== Recognition ==


The company's core business involves the distribution of branded and generic pharmaceutical products, over-the-counter healthcare products, and home healthcare supplies to a broad range of healthcare providers. Cencora's customers include retail pharmacies, hospital systems, mail-order pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and physicians' offices across the United States and internationally.<ref name="reuters" />
Mauch's selection as CEO of Cencora was itself a significant professional milestone, given the company's position as one of the largest corporations in the United States by revenue. The succession announcement received coverage in major business and healthcare publications, including ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'', ''Drug Store News'', and ''citybiz''.<ref name="inquirer" /><ref name="dsn" /><ref name="citybiz" />


Under Mauch's leadership, the company has continued to pursue growth both organically and through strategic investments. The announcement of over $1 billion in planned U.S. distribution network investments through 2030 represented one of the largest infrastructure commitments in the pharmaceutical distribution sector.<ref name="reuters" /> The company's fiscal 2025 results, which showed year-over-year revenue growth and a positive outlook for fiscal 2026, indicated operational stability during the CEO transition period.<ref name="businesswire" />
His interviews and profiles in ''Pharmaceutical Executive'' and ''Modern Healthcare'' during 2025 placed him among the most prominent voices in the pharmaceutical distribution industry during that year. The ''Modern Healthcare'' feature, published in December 2025, highlighted his leadership in modernizing drug distribution and his focus on patient-centered innovation within the supply chain.<ref name="modernhealthcare" /> The ''Pharmaceutical Executive'' profile, published in October 2025, examined his strategic vision during his first year as CEO and his approach to navigating the evolving challenges of the pharmaceutical industry.<ref name="pharmexec" />


The pharmaceutical distribution industry in which Cencora operates is characterized by thin profit margins, high volumes, and intense regulatory scrutiny. Companies in this sector have also faced legal and public scrutiny related to the opioid crisis in the United States. Mauch's leadership has focused on navigating these challenges while positioning the company for long-term growth through investment in technology, infrastructure, and service capabilities.<ref name="pharmexec" />
The company's strong financial performance under Mauch's leadership—including the 5.9 percent revenue increase in the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and the announcement of a $1 billion infrastructure investment—further reinforced his standing as a significant figure in the healthcare business landscape.<ref name="reuters" /><ref name="businesswire" />


== Recognition ==
== Legacy ==


Mauch's selection as CEO of one of the largest companies in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain was covered by major business and healthcare media outlets, including ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'', ''Drug Store News'', ''Pharmaceutical Executive'', ''Modern Healthcare'', and Reuters.<ref name="inquirer" /><ref name="drugstorenews" /><ref name="pharmexec" /><ref name="modernhealthcare" /><ref name="reuters" />
As of the end of fiscal year 2025, Mauch's tenure as CEO of Cencora was still in its early stages, having begun in October 2024. However, several defining elements of his leadership had already taken shape. The announcement of the $1 billion investment in U.S. drug distribution infrastructure through 2030 represented one of the most significant capital commitments in the company's recent history and signaled a long-term strategic direction under Mauch's leadership.<ref name="reuters" />


His membership in the Business Roundtable, an organization comprising the CEOs of America's leading companies, serves as an indicator of his standing within the broader U.S. business community.<ref name="brt" /> The ''Pharmaceutical Executive'' profile published in October 2025, marking approximately one year since he assumed the CEO role, highlighted his strategic vision for Cencora's future in an evolving pharmaceutical landscape.<ref name="pharmexec" />
Mauch's approach to leadership, as articulated in his public interviews, has emphasized the evolving role of pharmaceutical distributors beyond simple logistics. His characterization of Cencora's mission as moving "from warehouse to wellness" reflected an industry-wide shift in which distributors increasingly participate in patient services, data analytics, and the management of complex therapy supply chains.<ref name="modernhealthcare" /> His dual doctoral credentials in pharmacy have been noted as providing a distinctive perspective among the leaders of major drug distribution companies, grounding his strategic decisions in a deep understanding of pharmaceutical science and healthcare delivery.<ref name="brt" />


The December 2025 ''Modern Healthcare'' feature further recognized Mauch as a significant voice in the ongoing discussion about the modernization of pharmaceutical distribution and its implications for patient care and healthcare delivery.<ref name="modernhealthcare" />
Cencora, headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, remains one of the largest companies in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and one of the most significant players in global pharmaceutical distribution.<ref name="inquirer" /> Mauch's leadership of the company places him at the intersection of healthcare, logistics, and corporate strategy at a pivotal moment for the pharmaceutical industry.


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 04:36, 24 February 2026




Bob Mauch
BornRobert P. Mauch
NationalityAmerican
OccupationCorporate executive, pharmacist
TitlePresident and Chief Executive Officer, Cencora, Inc.
Known forPresident and CEO of Cencora, Inc. (formerly AmerisourceBergen)
EducationPharmD, PhD

Robert P. Mauch, PharmD, PhD, is an American corporate executive and pharmacist who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cencora, Inc. (NYSE: COR), one of the largest pharmaceutical distribution companies in the United States.[1] Formerly known as AmerisourceBergen, Cencora is a Fortune 500 company that plays a central role in the pharmaceutical supply chain, distributing drugs to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers across the United States and internationally. Mauch assumed the role of President and CEO in October 2024, succeeding longtime chief executive Steven H. Collis, who transitioned to the role of executive chairman.[2] Prior to becoming CEO, Mauch served as Cencora's Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the company's pharmaceutical distribution operations and strategic initiatives. A trained pharmacist with both a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Mauch has spent much of his career in the pharmaceutical distribution industry, rising through various leadership positions within the company.[1] His appointment to the top executive role reflected the company's emphasis on continuity of leadership and operational expertise during a period of significant transformation in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Education

Robert P. Mauch holds advanced academic credentials in the pharmaceutical sciences. He earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).[1][3] His dual doctoral-level education in pharmacy distinguishes him among pharmaceutical industry executives and reflects a deep academic grounding in the science and practice of pharmacy, which has informed his approach to leading one of the nation's largest drug distribution enterprises. His academic background has been cited in professional profiles as underpinning his understanding of the pharmaceutical products and healthcare systems that Cencora serves.[1]

Career

Rise within Cencora

Before becoming CEO, Mauch held the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cencora, Inc.[2][3] In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the company's core pharmaceutical distribution operations, which encompass one of the largest networks of drug distribution centers in the United States. The COO role placed Mauch at the center of the company's day-to-day operations and strategic planning, providing him with direct oversight of the infrastructure, logistics, and partnerships that form the backbone of Cencora's business model.[1]

Cencora, which operated under the name AmerisourceBergen until its rebranding in 2023, is one of the "Big Three" pharmaceutical distributors in the United States, alongside McKesson and Cardinal Health. The company distributes branded and generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, and home healthcare supplies to a broad range of healthcare providers.[4] Mauch's tenure in the COO role positioned him as the natural successor to Steven Collis, who had served as CEO since 2011.

Appointment as President and CEO

On March 12, 2024, Cencora announced a leadership succession plan under which Mauch would succeed Steven H. Collis as President and Chief Executive Officer.[2][4] Under the plan, Collis was to transition from the CEO role to the position of executive chairman of Cencora's board of directors, while Mauch would assume the top executive position and also be appointed as a member of the board.[3]

The announcement was reported by multiple news outlets, including The Philadelphia Inquirer, Drug Store News, and citybiz. The Inquirer described Cencora as "among the largest pharmaceutical distributors in the United States" and noted that Mauch had been selected to lead the company through a period of ongoing change in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.[4] Drug Store News characterized the transition as reflecting the company's commitment to leadership continuity, with Collis remaining involved in an executive chairman capacity while Mauch took operational control.[2]

Mauch officially transitioned into the role of President and CEO in October 2024.[1] Upon taking the position, Mauch was described by the Business Roundtable—of which he became a member—as being "focused on building on" the company's existing strategy and furthering its role in the pharmaceutical supply chain.[1]

First Year as CEO

Mauch's first year at the helm of Cencora was marked by a number of significant strategic and operational developments. In an October 2025 interview with Pharmaceutical Executive, Mauch discussed the lessons learned during his initial year as CEO and addressed the complex challenges facing pharmaceutical distribution, including supply chain resilience, regulatory pressures, and the evolving landscape of specialty and biosimilar drugs.[5]

In a December 2025 feature in Modern Healthcare, Mauch spoke about the modernization of pharmaceutical distribution, describing the company's efforts to deliver medicines to patients more efficiently and to introduce innovations that reduce the time required to bring treatments from manufacturers to the point of care. The interview characterized Cencora's evolution as moving "from warehouse to wellness," reflecting the company's expanding role beyond traditional drug warehousing and logistics into areas of patient services and healthcare innovation.[6]

Major Investment and Financial Performance

One of the most significant announcements during Mauch's tenure came in November 2025, when Cencora disclosed plans to invest over $1 billion through 2030 to expand its U.S. drug distribution network. The investment, reported by Reuters, was described as part of the company's strategy to strengthen its infrastructure in response to growing demand for pharmaceutical distribution services and to increase the capacity and efficiency of its facilities across the country.[7]

The billion-dollar investment plan was announced alongside the company's fiscal year 2025 fourth quarter and full-year financial results. According to a Business Wire press release dated November 5, 2025, Cencora reported that revenue in its fiscal year 2025 fourth quarter (ended September 30, 2025) increased 5.9 percent compared to the prior year period.[8] The company also issued an upbeat forecast for fiscal year 2026, signaling confidence in the trajectory of its business under Mauch's leadership.[7]

The combination of strong revenue growth and a forward-looking infrastructure investment plan positioned Cencora as an aggressive competitor in the pharmaceutical distribution sector during the first full fiscal year of Mauch's tenure as CEO. The $1 billion investment, in particular, was notable as a signal of the company's commitment to expanding its physical distribution capabilities at a time when the pharmaceutical industry was grappling with the increasing complexity of drug supply chains, including the growth of specialty pharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapies, and temperature-sensitive biologics.

Industry Context

Mauch assumed the CEO role at a time when the pharmaceutical distribution industry was undergoing significant changes. The three largest U.S. drug distributors—Cencora, McKesson, and Cardinal Health—collectively handle the vast majority of pharmaceutical products distributed in the country. These companies serve as the critical link between drug manufacturers and the pharmacies, hospitals, and health systems that dispense medications to patients.

The industry has faced scrutiny in recent years over its role in the opioid crisis, drug pricing pressures, and the complexities of distributing increasingly specialized therapies. Cencora, under its previous name AmerisourceBergen, was among the distributors that reached settlement agreements related to opioid-related litigation. Mauch's leadership has been characterized in industry media as focused on strengthening the supply chain, investing in technology and infrastructure, and positioning Cencora to handle the next generation of pharmaceutical products, including biosimilars and advanced therapies.[5][6]

The Pharmaceutical Executive profile of Mauch in October 2025 explored his perspective on "tackling a complex future for pharma distribution," noting his emphasis on operational resilience and adaptability as key priorities.[5] In the Modern Healthcare interview, Mauch described innovations within Cencora's operations aimed at cutting the time it takes to bring treatments to patients, reflecting a broader industry trend toward speed, precision, and patient-centered distribution models.[6]

Professional Affiliations

In October 2024, coinciding with his assumption of the CEO role, Mauch was listed as a member of the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of leading American companies. The Business Roundtable profile described him as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cencora, Inc., and noted his academic credentials.[1] Membership in the Business Roundtable places Mauch among a group of CEOs who collectively lead companies with more than 20 million employees and more than $10 trillion in annual revenues, and who participate in policy discussions on economic and business issues at the national level.

Recognition

Mauch's selection as CEO of Cencora was itself a significant professional milestone, given the company's position as one of the largest corporations in the United States by revenue. The succession announcement received coverage in major business and healthcare publications, including The Philadelphia Inquirer, Drug Store News, and citybiz.[4][2][3]

His interviews and profiles in Pharmaceutical Executive and Modern Healthcare during 2025 placed him among the most prominent voices in the pharmaceutical distribution industry during that year. The Modern Healthcare feature, published in December 2025, highlighted his leadership in modernizing drug distribution and his focus on patient-centered innovation within the supply chain.[6] The Pharmaceutical Executive profile, published in October 2025, examined his strategic vision during his first year as CEO and his approach to navigating the evolving challenges of the pharmaceutical industry.[5]

The company's strong financial performance under Mauch's leadership—including the 5.9 percent revenue increase in the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and the announcement of a $1 billion infrastructure investment—further reinforced his standing as a significant figure in the healthcare business landscape.[7][8]

Legacy

As of the end of fiscal year 2025, Mauch's tenure as CEO of Cencora was still in its early stages, having begun in October 2024. However, several defining elements of his leadership had already taken shape. The announcement of the $1 billion investment in U.S. drug distribution infrastructure through 2030 represented one of the most significant capital commitments in the company's recent history and signaled a long-term strategic direction under Mauch's leadership.[7]

Mauch's approach to leadership, as articulated in his public interviews, has emphasized the evolving role of pharmaceutical distributors beyond simple logistics. His characterization of Cencora's mission as moving "from warehouse to wellness" reflected an industry-wide shift in which distributors increasingly participate in patient services, data analytics, and the management of complex therapy supply chains.[6] His dual doctoral credentials in pharmacy have been noted as providing a distinctive perspective among the leaders of major drug distribution companies, grounding his strategic decisions in a deep understanding of pharmaceutical science and healthcare delivery.[1]

Cencora, headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, remains one of the largest companies in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and one of the most significant players in global pharmaceutical distribution.[4] Mauch's leadership of the company places him at the intersection of healthcare, logistics, and corporate strategy at a pivotal moment for the pharmaceutical industry.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Robert P. Mauch, PharmD, PhD".Business Roundtable.October 28, 2024.https://www.businessroundtable.org/about-us/members/robert-p.-mauch,-pharmd,-phd.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Cencora's CEO Steve Collis to retire, Robert Mauch to take reins as president/CEO".Drug Store News.March 14, 2024.https://drugstorenews.com/cencoras-ceo-steve-collis-retire-robert-mauch-take-reins-presidentceo.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Robert Mauch Appointed CEO of Cencora".citybiz.March 12, 2024.https://www.citybiz.co/article/530786/robert-mauch-appointed-ceo-of-cencora/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Cencora, a massive pharma distributor based in Conshohocken, announces CEO succession plan".The Philadelphia Inquirer.March 12, 2024.https://www.inquirer.com/health/cencora-ceo-bob-mauch-replaces-steve-collis-20240312.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Bob Mauch: Strengthening the Chain".Pharmaceutical Executive.October 21, 2025.https://www.pharmexec.com/view/bob-mauch-strengthening-the-chain.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Warehouse to wellness: Bob Mauch on modern pharmaceutical distribution".Modern Healthcare.December 8, 2025.http://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-warehouse-to-wellness-mauch-modern-pharmaceutical-distribution/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "Cencora to invest $1 billion on US drug distribution, posts upbeat 2026 forecast".Reuters.November 5, 2025.https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/cencora-invest-1-billion-us-drug-distribution-posts-upbeat-2026-forecast-2025-11-05/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "Cencora Reports Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year End Results".Business Wire.November 5, 2025.https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251105392361/en/Cencora-Reports-Fiscal-2025-Fourth-Quarter-and-Fiscal-Year-End-Results.Retrieved 2026-02-23.