Henry Gregg, currently director of external affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, will become the next chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).

He will begin the role on Tuesday 27 May, the NPA board announced today.

Mr Gregg has previously worked in membership organisations, parliament and health policy.

Related Article: Almost five million Pharmacy First consultations delivered in first year

While at Asthma + Lung UK, he led a campaign to ban cigarettes for everyone born after 2009 and smoking outside hospitals, playgrounds and schools, and campaigned for respiratory vaccines and management of lung conditions in community pharmacies.

Mr Gregg has also worked as director of strategy and culture at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, and led member relations at the National Housing Federation, where he supported the housing sector in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Nick Kaye, NPA chair, said he was 'delighted' to welcome Mr Gregg as the next chief executive of the NPA.

'At a time of huge change and enormous opportunity for the community pharmacy network, we are fortunate to have someone with Henry’s experience and insight to lead the organisation as we respond to the challenges ahead,' he said.

Related Article: NPA 'decides against' collective action

'The NPA has made tremendous strides over the past months and has given community pharmacy a greater profile than ever before. I’m sure Henry will build on that work to modernise the NPA and ensure we are the strongest possible advocate and servant for the thousands of NPA member pharmacies that are a central part of the health service for millions of people,' he added.

Mr Gregg said he was 'excited to be joining the NPA at a pivotal time for community pharmacy'.

'I’m looking forward to working with the NPA team, building strong links with government so we can deliver the support pharmacies so desperately need and the bigger role they can undoubtedly play in everyone’s health.

Related Article: Government seeks pharmacists' views to underpin first-ever men’s health strategy

'I want to focus on fighting for pharmacies and raising the profile of their amazing work, but also making sure the NPA is offering the best possible service and support for a network upon which so many people rely. I can’t wait to meet the team and start meeting NPA members across the UK,' he added.

Previous chief executive Paul Rees left the NPA last year to work as the interim chief executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).