The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has appointed a new chief executive.

Mark Lyonette, who has been the chief executive of the Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL) for 12 years, will join the NPA from June 2018.

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'An honour'

Mr Lyonette said he is ‘delighted to be joining the NPA later this year’.

He added: ‘It’s an honour to have the opportunity 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.

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‘I’m looking forward to working with the board and the executive team to strengthen the NPA, and develop this vital service for its members.’

'Transform pharmacy's prospects'

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Commenting on his appointment, NPA chairman Ian Strachan said: ‘Mark brings with him a great deal of experience of running trade associations, membership bodies and leading a complex, regulated sector through change.

‘The NPA Board has asked him to further develop the capabilities and performance of the NPA in order to help transform the prospects of the pharmacy sector. We therefore look forward eagerly to his arrival in June.’