Mr Soni is the first pharmacist to hold this role in the NAPC’s 20-year history, the association revealed today (September 23).

He has covered several roles at the NAPC over nearly a decade, including pharmacy lead, council member and member of the executive committee, the NAPC wrote.

Mr Soni will replace outgoing president Johnny Marshall, following his election to the role at the NAPC’s annual general meeting this week.

“Proud”

Mr Soni said he is “proud to be the first pharmacist to hold the position of NAPC president”.

“It demonstrates how much the NAPC believes in the breadth of the primary care family and reinforces the vital role of pharmacy in delivering true integration: the right care in the right place at the right time,” he added.

The organisation has in the past influenced national policy and Mr Soni is “incredibly excited” about its future, he said.

Mr Soni’s predecessor Dr Marshall said his appointment “will bring enormous value” to the association.

“His skills and experience will strengthen the breadth of knowledge and diversity and ensure pharmacy has the representation it deserves,” he added.

Having started his career in community pharmacy, Mr Soni opened three London-based pharmacies of his own in 1986. He later became president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in 2014.

He initially held the position for two years until his surprise departure in 2016.

Mr Soni was re-elected as RPS president in 2017, holding the role for a further two years before ultimately stepping down in July 2019.

Mr Soni is currently vice-president the International Pharmaceutical Federation, an RPS fellow and honorary fellow of the University College London School of Pharmacy.