National Pharmacy Association chief executive Mark Lyonette has announced he will retire in 2024.

The NPA said it was publicising Mr Lyonette’s retirement “well in advance” so that its board can “start work with a leading recruitment agency” to find a replacement.

It said it was “keen to build on the strong foundations established” since Mr Lyonette took on the role in June 2018, and to ensure a “seamless transition” once a new chief executive is appointed.

Mr Lyonette said: “After five years at the NPA and 40 years working for and leading national membership organisations, I am looking forward to living a different life. 

“I am pleased that in the time that I have been with the NPA we have grown both the membership and customer base and created a profitable, stable membership organisation.

“Alongside our NPA Insurance company, the association is well set to help members face the future.

“Meanwhile there is much to do to ensure that 2023 is another good year in terms of the NPA delivering consistently for members. The process of changing Chief Executive won’t deflect us from our vital work.”

Outgoing NPA board chair Andrew Lane commented: “By the time he steps down Mark will have been with us for five years and I am pleased to have worked with him for the last four of those years as Chair. In that time the NPA has gone from strength to strength and introduced important new services for members, as well as vigorously advocating for a sustainable future for our sector.

“Together Mark and I had the honour of leading the organisation through the pandemic, campaigning tirelessly for members while also building much needed trust with government and stakeholders.

“It’s probably too early yet to say this, but on behalf of the Board we wish Mark all the best for a well-earned retirement when it comes.”