RPS chief executive to leave for new role at Royal Society of Medicine

Helen Gordon, chief executive of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), has announced that she will be leaving the RPS at the end of February 2017 to become chief executive of the Royal Society of Medicine.

Gordon joined the RPS on 1 July 2010 as the organisation — previously known as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain — underwent a split from its regulatory functions, which were taken over by the newly formed General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

During her time at the Society, Gordon has overseen the introduction of the RPS Faculty and Foundation programmes; the development of professional standards and guidance; and substantial changes to Pharmaceutical Press, the publishing arm of the RPS.

“I am very proud of the team we have built here, who give their all to make the RPS successful,” says Gordon. “Our ability to provide members with the products and services they need means pharmacists are better able to care for patients and the public.

“It has been a privilege to work so closely with pharmacy, royal colleges, and other health professional organisations in the UK and globally to take forward initiatives that benefit both pharmacists and the patients and people they care for,” she adds.

Martin Astbury, president of the RPS, says: “Helen joined the Society at a time of enormous change. I have no doubt that much of our success is down to the leadership and drive that Helen has shown over the past seven years. We are now a more influential organisation, with a higher profile, and growing membership.

“Helen has championed initiatives that have supported and developed the profession, improving patient care and public health. I wish Helen all the best at the Royal Society of Medicine and look forward to working together with [her] in future.”

A recruitment process for the new RPS chief executive is now under way.