Anthony J. Bellezza Named Rite Aid Senior Vice President of Internal Assurance and Chief Compliance Officer.

CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE, PCX: RAD) today announced the appointment of Anthony J. Bellezza as senior vice president of internal assurance and chief compliance officer, a newly created position.

Bellezza, 41, most recently served as partner and Mid-Atlantic business risk services practice leader at Ernst & Young in Baltimore, MD. Bellezza joined Ernst & Young in 1997, where he was named partner in 2001 and Mid-Atlantic business risk services practice leader in 2003. Before joining Ernst & Young, he held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility in the audit function including director of internal audit for Harsco Corporation in Camp Hill, PA.

Bellezza will report to the chairman of the audit committee of the Rite Aid Board of Directors. His responsibilities include overseeing the company's internal audit function and the company's compliance systems and procedures. His appointment is effective immediately.

Bellezza holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University. He and his wife reside with their four children in Manheim, PA.

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with annual revenues of more than $16.6 billion and approximately 3,400 stores in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com.