Mr Ian Tauman
Mr Ian Tauman is a highly respected Australian pharmacist and the founder and Director of Australia’s fastest-growing pharmacy groups, Direct Chemist Outlet (DCO). With more than four decades of experience in the pharmacy profession, Mr Tauman has become a prominent figure in the industry, known for his hands-on, “get-stuff-done” attitude and for creating a highly successful and scalable pharmacy brand.
A graduate of the Victorian College of Pharmacy, now Monash University's Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mr Tauman began his career as a pharmacist in the early 1980’s. He opened his first pharmacy in Somerville in 1989 with the backing of his parents, whose support was instrumental in helping him take that first major step. Soon after, major government reforms disrupted the industry. In response, he partnered with fellow Monash alumnus, pharmacist and businessman John Lopes, and together they began acquiring underperforming pharmacies and turning them around, laying the foundation for his future success.
Mr Tauman’s journey was far from easy. The early days involved doing the books on the floor of his front room before moving into a modest office above a shop in Elsternwick. He trialled well-known brands like Amcal and Priceline but found they lacked the flexibility and competitiveness needed to take on the larger players. In the early 2000’s, a visit to Queensland and a meeting with the Health E Pharmacy group sparked a key insight: a smaller group could take on the big guys. In 2006, Mr Tauman launched the first branded Direct Chemist Outlet pharmacy in Werribee. This model was a fusion of influences, such as Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Health E Pharmacy, IGA, and JB Hi-Fi, blending strong retail practices with uncompromising patient care.
Today, under Mr Tauman’s leadership, DCO has grown to over 130 locations across Australia, with a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) of reaching 200 stores within three years. His decision to pass supplier savings directly to stores has helped owners remain competitive while offering patients greater value. More than a high-performing business, DCO empowers the next generation of pharmacists through structured ownership pathways that foster independence and long-term success.
Mr Tauman credits his wife, Linda, as a continuous and unwavering support throughout his journey. She sacrificed her own career in a significant way to become the full-time carer of their family, which allowed Mr Tauman to dedicate a disproportionate amount of time and energy to building the business. He continues to learn and grow through a wide range of reading, business coaching, and active participation in the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, where peer learning plays a vital role. Mr Tauman firmly believes in the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” a philosophy that underpins his leadership style and the collaborative culture at Direct Chemist Outlet.