In order to be with his family and embark on an extensive cycling journey of Europe, Mark Bather, managing director at Rowlands Pharmacy, has decided to leave the business.
He led Rowlands Pharmacy for two-and-a-half years and transformed the business to meet challenges which the pharmacy sector faces.
Bather will be replaced by Nigel Swift who is leaving Well Pharmacy as director of operations. Nigel will join the business in August.
Phoenix UK's managing director Steve Anderson said: “Through insight, energy and enthusiasm, Mark has led a radical transformation of the fortunes of Rowlands pharmacy making it fit-for-the-future. I completely understand why he would now want a bit more personal time after what has been an intensive and demanding couple of years."
He said that the Board is grateful for all that Bather has achieved on behalf of Rowlands and Phoenix UK.
About Nigel Swift, Anderson said, "He is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced people in our sector. He has held Board-level positions at McKesson UK and has extensive international sales and marketing experience. He will build on the strong foundations which Mark established and continue to develop our Rowlands’ recovery and growth strategy. We look forward to welcoming him to the business in August."
Thanking Anderson and the rest of the Board, Bather said: "I have been very fortunate to work on some key changes to the Rowlands Business during a really challenging time for the pharmacy sector," adding that he is proud of the changes they made together.
Wishing his team well for the future, he said: "I would also like to thank my own team and the retail team for their outstanding dedication and endeavour."
I’m really looking forward to spending time now with my family; travelling, cycling and enjoying an active retirement, he added.
Claiming of being proud to join the Phoenix UK team, Nigel Swift said: “I am looking forward to taking on my role-- leading Rowlands colleagues as their new MD and developing the proposition for a blended best in class patient experience. I’m also excited to support Steve as Deputy MD for the UK given his expanded Phoenix Group responsibilities."
