Rowlands has said its managing director Mark Bather will step down in August having decided to retire after two and-a-half years in the position.

The pharmacy chain said Mr Bather (pictured) is stepping down to focus on “personal pursuits” and his family and fulfil a “life-long ambition” of taking part in a cycling tour of Europe with his wife Donna.

He will be replaced by Nigel Swift, who is currently a board director at Well Pharmacy and was described by Rowlands as “one of the most knowledgeable and experienced people in our sector".

Rowlands said Mr Swift “will build on the strong foundations which Mark established and continue to develop Rowlands’ recovery and growth strategy".

“Through insight, energy and enthusiasm, Mark has led a radical transformation of the fortunes of Rowlands pharmacy making it fit-for-the-future,” said Steve Anderson, group managing director of Phoenix.

“I completely understand why he would now want a bit more personal time after what has been an intensive and demanding couple of years.”