Changes have been announced in the senior leadership team at Phoenix UK, with the managing director of Numark stepping down, and a new director 'really excited' to be joining the growing business.

After almost eight years with Phoenix UK - latterly as managing director of Numark and group sales and marketing director - Jeremy Meader has left the company to pursue a career outside the group.

Phoenix UK group's brands include Rowlands Pharmacy and Numark, and it is one of Europe's largest integrated pharmaceutical providers.

John Pignone, managing director at Synergy Medical Europe until recently, joined the business as sales director on 1 February.

'I am really excited to be joining the Phoenix UK team at a time when the business is growing, and despite all the challenges in the market continues to outpace the competition,' he said.

'I am looking forward to being part of the team during the next stage of implementing the business’ profitable growth strategy.'

Phoenix UK said Mr Pignone, who was commercial director at Alliance Healthcare for more than nine years prior to working for Synergy Medical Europe, 'has a proven record of delivering sales and profit growth within challenging markets'.

The company also thanked Mr Meader for 'his commitment and dedication over the years' and wished him 'all the best for his professional and private future'.

In December, Phoenix UK joined other pharmacy leaders in writing to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ask him to address pharmacy's funding crisis.

This month, the company signed a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warning that the supply of prescription medicines could be at risk without urgent investment from the government.