“Our return on the investment has been tremendous insight into strategy and business analysis — to the point that our first employee who graduated from the Wharton program was given the job as the number one strategist with our largest division. After that success, we identified other folks who could have that kind of impact.”
John Figueroa
McKesson Corporation
McKesson Corporation does not wait for employees to bring sponsorship proposals to the table — they take the first step. "We're a top ten company in a very dynamic industry," explains McKesson president John Figueroa. "The changes that have come about in our industry in the last decade have been tremendous, and we need leaders who can execute on deliverables and strategy."
The company looked for an executive MBA program that would prepare its mid-level managers for executive positions. McKesson became interested in Wharton when the School's West Coast campus opened in San Francisco in 2001.
"Our return on the investment has been tremendous insight into strategy and business analysis — to the point that our first employee who graduated from the Wharton program was given the job as the number one strategist with our largest division," says Figueroa. "After that success, we identified other folks who could have that kind of impact."
McKesson has sponsored three employees in Wharton's MBA Program for Executives, recently adding another employee to the roster: Kirk Kaminsky, WG'08, VP and general manager for McKesson Packaging, joins colleague Randy Hyun, WG'07, VP of Strategic Business Initiatives for McKesson Pharmaceutical, in the program.
"Wharton has brought together my thinking of all the major industry functions," says Hyun. "You get the greatest value in putting all the business pieces together — in the end, the experience will make me a much better general manager."
Both students point to the value of mentorship from Figueroa for their success at the company and in the program. "He's been extremely supportive, both financially and professionally," says Kaminsky. "It's the guidance and unwavering support that helps."
"McKesson's philosophy is that the best investment you can make in a company is in its people," says Figueroa. "And with that premise in mind, we identify high performing individuals. The trick is to find the program that meets the expectations for your business, and that's where we found Wharton. I couldn't be more pleased."
Kirk Kaminsky, WG'08
VP and General Manager
McKesson Packaging
Randy Hyun, WG'07
VP of Strategic Business Initiatives
McKesson Pharmaceutical
John Figueroa
President
McKesson Corporation