Mark Lyonette will look to strengthen the National Pharmacy Association in his new role of chief executive, he said as he took up the post.

Mr Lyonette was formerly chief executive of the Association of British Credit Unions – the leading trade body for credit unions in Great Britain.

He will lead the NPA’s 120 staff and support its board of management to serve a membership that accounts for about half of all UK community pharmacies, said the NPA.

Mr Lyonette commented: “It is an honour to serve the thousands of independent community pharmacies who rely on the NPA to provide essential services, a strong voice and a vehicle for collective progress. I am looking forward to working with the board and the executive team to strengthen the NPA, and develop this vital service for its members and the patients they serve.”

Nitin Sodha, who was recently elected as NPA's chairman, said: “This is an exciting time for the NPA team and its members. Mark’s first task is to develop the capabilities and performance of the NPA in order to help transform the prospects of the pharmacy sector. He already has a wealth of experience leading trade associations and membership bodies and we look forward to seeing how he will rise to the challenge.”