The NPA chose to share the news "well in advance” of Mr Lyonette’s retirement to give the board sufficient time to work with a “leading recruitment agency” in the search for his successor, it said today (April 14).

 

The board is “keen” to ensure “a seamless transition and minimum disruption to the business” once Mr Lyonette’s replacement has been found, the NPA added.   

 

Mr Lyonette joined the NPA as its chief executive in 2018 after a 20-year stint at the Association of British Credit Unions.

 

Read more: NPA appoints credit unions chief Mark Lyonette as new CEO

 

The news of his retirement comes after C+D exclusively revealed in February that NPA chair Andrew Lane planned to step down after almost four years in the post.

 

Read more: NPA to elect new chair as Andrew Lane steps down

 

The NPA said that its board would agree what it wanted the future of the chief executive role to look like and begin the search process “over the next few weeks”.

 

 

“Looking forward to living a different life”

 

 

Commenting on his retirement, Mr Lyonette said that he was “looking forward to living a different life” after his five years at the NPA and 40 years leading and working for national membership organisations.

 

He added that is pleased that the NPA has grown “both the membership and customer base and created a profitable, stable membership organisation”  during his time in the role.

 

“Meanwhile, there is much to do to ensure that 2023 is another good year in terms of the NPA delivering consistently for members. The process of changing chief executive won’t deflect us from our vital work,” he commented.

 

Read more: NPA: Pharmacy's accessibility ‘double-edged sword’ during NHS strikes

 

Mr Lane said he was “pleased to have worked with” Mr Lyonette over the past four years.

 

He continued: “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.”