Mr Lyonette is currently chief executive of the Association of British Credit Unions. He has worked for the organisation – a “leading voice on issues such as financial inclusion, and banking and payments reform” – for 20 years.

During his tenure, the association's membership quadrupled and its assets grew by almost 900%, according to its website.
 
NPA chairman Ian Strachan said Mr Lyonette “brings with him a great deal of experience of running trade associations, membership bodies, and leading a complex, regulated sector through change”.
 
Mr Lyonette’s role will see him “further develop the capabilities and performance of the NPA in order to help transform the prospects of the pharmacy sector”, Mr Strachan said, adding: “We look forward eagerly to his arrival.”
 
Mr Lyonette said: “I am delighted to be joining the NPA later this year. It is 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.

“I am looking forward to working with the board and the executive team to strengthen the NPA, and develop this vital service for its members.”

Mr Lyonette will be the first NPA chief executive since Mike Holden left the role in 2014, and follows David Simons, who was interim chief operating officer, who left in July 2017.