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VOICES OF MCKESSON

Inside McKesson’s Supply Chain Leadership

6 MIN READ TIME

How McKesson’s Supply Chain Powers Patient Care: Leadership Spotlight

Meet Chris Van Norman, Senior Vice President Supply Chain Operations, North American Pharmaceutical Services (NAPS).

McKesson’s distribution centers are the backbone of healthcare delivery — and the teams behind them play a direct role in getting medications to the patients who rely on them every day. In this leadership spotlight, Chris shares his career journey, leadership philosophy and perspective on what makes McKesson’s supply chain a place where people can build meaningful, long-term careers.


What This Leadership Spotlight Shares:
This leadership spotlight highlights how McKesson’s distribution centers and warehouse teams support patient care every day. Through insights from Chris Van Norman, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Operations, the article explains how McKesson builds purpose‑driven warehouse careers that combine operational excellence, career growth and meaningful healthcare impact.

McKesson employee smiling

Tell us about your career journey.

Chris: My path to McKesson began with a passion for engineering and logistics. After graduating from Purdue with a degree in industrial engineering, I joined a consulting firm focused on distribution and logistics. One of my first major projects was with McKesson, and even before I officially joined in 2007, I spent nearly three years embedded in the company’s operations.

From day one, I felt the difference: the culture, the care, the purpose. Since then, I’ve led teams across engineering, operations and strategic leadership, opening new distribution centers and guiding our network through pivotal moments like COVID‑19. Every step has reinforced my belief in the power of purpose‑driven leadership.

As you reflect on your previous roles, what experiences have shaped your leadership style?

Chris: I’ve had the privilege of leading at four different distribution centers, each with its own culture and challenges. Early in my career, I traveled extensively across our network, observing a wide range of leadership styles. That exposure helped me define what effective leadership looks like — grounded in empathy and accountability.

I’ve made mistakes like any leader, but I’ve learned that if you learn continuously, develop others and treat people with respect, you build trust and drive results. I often tell emerging leaders: be intentional, be business‑minded, and above all, treat people right. Make our LEADRx behaviors part of your daily work. That’s the McKesson way.

What drives you and your team during times of change and uncertainty?

Chris: Purpose is our anchor. Whether we’re navigating a pandemic, opening new facilities or adapting to regulatory changes, we never lose sight of why we do what we do. The medicine we ship impacts patients, families and communities every single day, and that responsibility fuels us to rise to any challenge.

McKesson distribution center

What sets McKesson apart when it comes to people and talent?

Chris: Even before officially joining McKesson, I could tell this company was different. The culture was palpable. People genuinely cared, collaboration was real and purpose was always front and center.

Over the years, I’ve seen how our I²CARE values show up in how we treat each other and how we grow our people. I’ve seen people leave and come back because they missed the culture. I’ve heard countless new hires say the same thing I felt early on — that McKesson “feels different.”

That’s why I’ve built my career here, and why I continue to believe in the future we’re creating together.

McKesson distribution center

How do McKesson’s supply chain teams make a difference for patients?

Chris: What excites me most about our supply chain is how directly our work impacts patient care. Distribution is just one piece of a highly interconnected operation. Our quality teams protect the integrity of the medications we ship. Our inventory and purchasing teams ensure the right products are available when and where they’re needed. Our transportation teams deliver with precision. And our customer service teams — supporting more than 40,000 deliveries a day — resolve issues quickly so providers can stay focused on caring for patients.

When people join a McKesson distribution center, they’re not just moving boxes. They’re helping ensure life‑saving medications reach the people who depend on them. 

McKesson distribution employee smiling

What opportunities do you see for people building a career in McKesson’s warehouse operations? 

Chris: McKesson’s distribution centers are incredible places to grow a career. We invest in our people, provide clear development pathways and promote from within whenever possible.

Whether someone is just starting out as a Material Handler or looking to grow into leadership, there’s room to build a meaningful, long‑term career here. 

In the age of AI and automation, how is McKesson using technology to strengthen supply chain operations and the employee experience?

Chris: We view AI and automation as strategic enablers, not just efficiency tools. Across our supply chain, we’re investing in high‑volume fulfillment systems, robotics, automated guided vehicles, robotic palletizers and AI‑driven inventory planning. These technologies help match supply with demand more precisely, reduce manual work and improve accuracy at scale. Just as importantly, they enhance the employee experience by allowing our teams to focus on higher‑value work, ultimately delivering a better experience for providers and patients alike.

McKesson distribution center

How is McKesson preparing for the future of cold chain logistics?

Chris: We’ve made significant investments in cold chain infrastructure. Our facilities are designed for growth and equipped to handle increasing demand for refrigerated products that are changing patients’ lives. These investments ensure we can safely deliver critical therapies today — and scale to meet the needs of tomorrow. 

Interested in joining a McKesson distribution center team?

Explore warehouse and supply chain careers where your work supports patients, strengthens communities and helps advance health outcomes for all.

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What a Warehouse Career at McKesson Means
A warehouse or distribution center career at McKesson means supporting the healthcare system that patients depend on every day. Distribution center teams help ensure medications are delivered safely, accurately and on time to hospitals and pharmacies. These roles combine hands‑on operations, advanced automation, rigorous quality standards and clear growth paths into leadership and supply chain careers with real healthcare impact.

Why should someone consider a warehouse career at McKesson?
People choose warehouse careers at McKesson because the work delivers care, meaning and a sense of belonging. Distribution center teams support patients and healthcare providers through accurate, on‑time medication delivery while working in safe, technology‑enabled environments where people are supported and respected. McKesson invests in its people, fosters inclusive teams and offers opportunities to grow, lead and build a career that truly matters.