Holden’s got game

For the past two years, Holden Cattoni has worked as Senior Manager, Strategy and Planning, supporting the President of Shoppers Drug Mart^®  and collaborating with strategy leads across the business. During the week, he is immersed in the strategic heart of Shoppers Drug Mart, and on weekends he transforms into a professional lacrosse player, competing across North America in the National Lacrosse League, skillfully juggling two demanding worlds. 

Born and raised in Calgary, Alta. Holden attended Johns Hopkins University on a lacrosse scholarship, earning a degree in public health that set him up for success in his strategy role at Shoppers Drug Mart. “My work includes overseeing special projects and high-priority initiatives that span different business units,” Holden explains. “That includes annual planning, strategy updates for the board and Loblaw, and planning our financial strategies for the year ahead.” 

Holden’s current focus is Pharmaprix. “Compared with everywhere else in the country, our footprint in Quebec is actually quite small,” he says. “It’s a competitive market, and I’m working with the Pharmaprix and Shoppers Drug Mart leadership team on strategies to grow and move our company forward.” 

Looking ahead, Holden is excited about the possibilities artificial intelligence can bring to his work. “One interesting thing we’ve looked at is how AI can impact our business from a workflow standpoint,” he says. “Projects like assisted data entry in pharmacies can help enhance the experience for both patients and pharmacy teams.” 

Before joining Shoppers, Holden worked for a biotech start-up, then for the Medical Services team at Loblaw, followed by roles at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Ontario Health. When the strategy opening arose, he recognized the role Shoppers Drug Mart could play in shaping the future of health care — making it an easy decision to join the team. 

Holden currently lives in Peterborough, Ont., where he was traded to play junior lacrosse at 21 and balances his career with his athletic pursuits. He currently plays in the National Lacrosse League for the Las Vegas Desert Dogs and, in the summer season, for the Peterborough Lakers of Major Series Lacrosse. “My schedule is demanding, and I don’t have a lot of downtime,” he admits. “But lacrosse is more than just a game. It’s given me so much and I feel very fortunate to still be playing. The teams, meeting new people and travelling all over North America, are incredible. I’ve met my best friends through lacrosse. It’s exciting, active and is a creative outlet I’m passionate about.” 

With aspirations to compete in the 2028 Olympics when lacrosse returns, Holden embodies dedication and versatility. For Holden, both worlds complement each other, driving his success on and off the field.