Mr Anderson joins from the A.S. Watson Group – which includes Superdrug – where he held the role of CEO of Asia and eastern Europe, “with accountability for 1,500 pharmacies”, Celesio UK said this afternoon (May 2).

His 12-year career with A.S. Watson included country management roles, as well as marketing director for Asia and eastern Europe – “leading brand relaunches across 12 markets, including the introduction of new store formats, websites and loyalty programmes”, the multiple added.

Celesio UK confirmed to C+D that Mr Anderson replaces Cormac Tobin, who resigned from his managing director role at the company in November.

Brian Tyler, chairman of the management board of McKesson Europe – which owns Celesio UK – said: “Toby is committed to navigating the current and future challenges that our company faces and helping us to truly transform healthcare in the UK.”