Superdrug has appointed Ghada Beal – a pharmacist by background – as its new healthcare director, it has been announced.

Ms Beal, who is set to join Superdrug next month, said she was committed to help continue developing ways in which the company ‘supports the diverse healthcare needs of all communities’.

Her appointment comes amid the company’s ‘ambitious plans’ to grow its services, including pharmacy, and as it commits to investing in 25 new stores and refitting 70 stores this year.

With 28 years of experience in retail and pharmacy, Ms Beal most recently held the position of retail and pharmacy services director at LloydsPharmacy. She previously spent 26 years at Walgreen Boots Alliance, and has held various management roles throughout her career, including pharmacy manager.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Beal said: ‘I’m excited to join such a dynamic brand and business to help deliver Superdrug Health’s strategic ambitions in retail, healthcare and pharmacy.

‘My background as a pharmacist has meant that health and wellbeing has always been essential to me and I’m keen to continue developing the ways in which Superdrug supports the diverse healthcare needs of all communities.’

Meanwhile, Superdrug’s commercial director, Simon Comins, added: ‘We have ambitious plans to continue to grow our health retail, pharmacy, clinical and digital services and Ghada’s passion for exceptional standards and her proven track record for delivering for the customer will help us deliver our goals.’

Ms Beal will start her new role on 7 August 2023 when interim healthcare director Caris Newson moves to her new role as Superdrug head of eCommerce.