Bestway Healthcare has hired Jeremy Meader to head up its wholesale division seven months after he stood down as group sales director at Phoenix UK.

As chief wholesale officer, Mr Meader will oversee operations of the business acquired by Well Pharmacy parent Bestway when it bought Lexon UK earlier this year , as well as Bestway Medhub, Wardle’s Knights Fragrances , and PI & Specials manufacturing.

Mr Meader replaces Anup Sodha, who co-founded Lexon almost 25 years ago and plans to retire. Mr Sodha said he was “proud of what we achieved at Leon” and “grateful to everyone who has helped as we built a strong wholesale business”.

Mr Meader said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Bestway family and very much looking forward to getting to know the healthcare wholesale team. 

“The Bestway Group has a genuine passion, commitment and vision for the UK healthcare sector and I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the healthcare wholesale business unit to deliver further growth, building on the strong heritage of the combined businesses.”

Bestway CEO Seb Hobbs commented: “When we acquired Lexon Holdings Ltd, Anup kindly agreed to support us through the initial integration period, enabling a smooth transition for Lexon colleagues, customers and the brand. It has been my pleasure to know Anup over the last year and to work with him closely for the last six months.

“His knowledge, love for the business and its people is evident in every conversation and we are grateful for his commitment. We are thrilled Jeremy Meader is joining the Bestway family and excited by the contribution he will make to further develop our healthcare wholesale offer, serve more customers and grow our business.”