The Healthcare Distribution Association (HDA) has appointed Alex Williams as its new executive director and will take charge from January.
He will succeed Martin Sawer, who is retiring after leading the trade association for pharmaceutical wholesalers for 21 years.
Williams will join HDA in January and work with Sawer for a two-month transition period.
He will also work closely with the HDA’s Independent Chair, Jeremy Main, and Regulatory and Development Director, John Preston, to maintain the HDA’s ongoing focus on enhancing the appreciation and understanding of the healthcare distribution sector in the UK.
Williams most recently led GSK’s Market Access team in the UK, having previously spent more than a decade at the NHS.
He was the Deputy Director at NHS England responsible for designing and delivering the COVID-19 Vaccination Supply Chain Programme.
He also led the NHS England medicines sourcing team during the first wave of the pandemic, working closely with HDA members.
Reflecting on his 21 years at the HDA, Sawer said, "I am delighted to be handing over the HDA reins to Alex, who will bring an ideal mix of public and private sector leadership experience to our association. During the Covid pandemic, HDA member companies valued his deep understanding of the vital contribution our sector plays every day on behalf of the NHS."
Commenting on his appointment, Williams said, "After seeing firsthand the immense efforts of HDA members during the COVID-19 pandemic it is the utmost honour to be appointed as the Association’s new Executive Director.
"The HDA is in a strong position with a united voice and growing membership. I look forward to helping members get their voices heard on key issues such as the appropriate regulation, supply chain resilience and the overall economic sustainability of our sector."
