The chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is set to retire in 2024 after five years in post, it has been announced.

Mark Lyonette, who has spent a total of four decades working for and leading national membership organisations, said he was ‘looking forward to living a different life’.

He said he was pleased that during his tenure the NPA had ‘grown both the membership and customer base and created a profitable, stable membership organisation’.

Mr Lyonette added that the NPA was ‘well set to help members face the future’, but recognised there was ‘much to do to ensure that 2023 is another good year’ in terms of ‘delivering consistently’ for its members.

‘The process of changing chief executive won’t deflect us from our vital work,’ he added.

The news follows the appointment of the NPA’s new board and has come in advance to enable the search for a new leader.

The NPA said its board was ‘keen to build on the strong foundations established and ensure there is a seamless transition and minimum disruption to the business once the new chief executive is in post’.

Over the next few weeks, the NPA board is set to agree what the future chief executive role looks like, advertise the role and start the search process.

Outgoing chair of the board, Andrew Lane, said: ‘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.’

Mr Lane added: ‘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.’