NATIONAL Pharmacies has appointed business and retail industry leader Mark Smith (pictured) as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing 28 Jul.

Smith has held senior positions with major Australian and international retailers, starting his career with UK supermarket giant Tesco, which incorporates pharmacies and optical services into many of its stores.

National Pharmacies’ Chairman, Pauline Carr said the Board is delighted that Smith will lead National Pharmacies into a new era for the organisation, including the opportunities arising from the expansion of the scope of practice for pharmacists.

“Throughout his career, Mark has put the customer first by leading and supporting his teams to deliver exceptional value, service and experiences, while evolving to meet customers’ changing needs,” Carr said.

“The pharmacy sector in Australia has seen rapid change over the past decade,” she continued, pointing to the increased need for expert health and wellbeing advice and an exceptional customer experience.

“Mark will lead National Pharmacies’ efforts to create even greater value for our members and customers by giving them more reasons to visit, whether for prescription medication, specialist health and wellbeing services, vaccinations, beauty treatments or optical services,” she said.

Smith replaces Vito Borrello, who leaves National Pharmacies after 12 years including nearly six years as Chief Executive Officer.

Carr thanked and congratulated Borrello for overseeing “an extraordinary period of change” in the head role.

“Under Vito’s strong leadership, National Pharmacies provided uninterrupted and quality healthcare during the COVID pandemic, navigated significant government policy changes, and negotiated new pharmacy and wholesale medicine agreements,” Carr said.

Borrello also made National Pharmacies a key contributor to expanded scope of practice with 24/7 community healthcare at its Norwood store (PD 05 Feb 2024). KB

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