As a nationally recognized leader in managed care pharmacy operations, Robert Taketomo launched Ventegra in 2005 to first focus on the pharmacy segment of healthcare, with a strong vision and expectation to expand into other healthcare delivery segments. He has more than 27 years of experience as a pharmacist. He started in research as a Clinical Pharmacokineticist, moving into general clinical programs as a Supervisor, Manager, and Director in the hospital environment. He has been involved in managed care for more than a decade, starting with CIGNA, FHP, PacifiCare, and Health Net. He honed his considerable managed care pharmacy expertise with FHP and PacifiCare. Dr. Taketomo oversaw all pharmaceutical contracts and implemented purchase, rebate, and risk agreements. As Vice President of Industry Relations, he also launched the generic sampling program, FirstLine Solutions, and the injectable program at RxSolutions, the PBM for PacifiCare. In January 2002, Dr. Taketomo joined Health Net of California as Vice President of Pharmacy. In this capacity, he oversaw all pharmacy functions including formulary, benefit design, network management, claims, and prior authorization. He spearheaded Health Net’s injectable initiative and worked with other payors to launch The Generic Advantage program. In January 2004, he also assumed pharmacy oversight responsibility for Health Net of Oregon.
Dr. Taketomo received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California, and conducted his undergraduate studies at the University of California at Los Angeles. He completed a clinical residency in Pharmacokinetics at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in La Jolla, California. He went on to earn his Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Laurie Maruyama joined Ventegra in September 2006. In her role as Vice President, Client Services, Ms. Maruyama spearheads clients’ transition to Ventegra. She oversees and facilitates the implementation of client contracts and deliverables, and ensures that clients receive consistently superior service. Ms. Maruyama has more than 12 years of experience working within the managed care and pharmacy benefit management industry. She has proven expertise in healthcare project management, PBM program development and implementation, healthcare marketing and advertising, agency account management, and client services. Her background includes various high-level pharmacy benefit management roles, including her recent position with Prescription Solutions/Ovations, where she garnered significant experience with Medicare Part D benefit implementation and operations. She has worked with nationally recognized healthcare organizations, including United Health, MedImpact, Prescription Solutions, and PacifiCare. Ms. Maruyama earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in General Art from California State University, Long Beach, CA. She is a registered Pharmacy Technician with the California State Board of Pharmacy.

Mariana Ritchie joined Ventegra in January of 2005.  Backed by more than 20 years of experience in pharmacy benefit management, pharmaceutical contracting, and retail pharmacy, Ms. Ritchie is responsible for the company’s Industry Relations. In this role, she bridges the relationship between Ventegra, its clients, and the pharmaceutical industry.  Among her accomplishments, Ms. Ritchie was instrumental in implementing Presription Solutions’ automated rebate system, as well as assisting in the development of their generic sampling program and a zip code reporting tool.  Ms. Ritchie holds a Masters of Public Health from Loma Linda University and is a California State Board of Pharmacy registered Pharmacy Technician.