Nitin Sodha steps aside as NPA chair, Andrew Lane picks up duties

Nitin Sodha steps aside as NPA chair, Andrew Lane picks up duties

Nitin Sodha is stepping aside as chair of the National Pharmacy Association while allegations of collusion against a company in which he owns shares, Lexon UK, are investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority.

The NPA’s vice chair, Andrew Lane, will pick up the responsibilities of chairman for the time-being.

Nitin said today:

“I am stepping aside with immediate effect, so that the NPA can remain focused on supporting its members and securing a sustainable future for independent pharmacies, rather than be distracted by continued questions about my position as chair.”

NPA chief executive, Mark Lyonette, said:

“The allegations against Lexon don’t relate to Nitin’s work at the NPA, yet he has made a decision to stand aside as chair in the best interests of the association and its members.”

Andrew Lane owns the AlChem Pharmacy Group and chairs Gloucestershire LPC.  He was elected to the NPA Board of Management in 2010 and is one of two NPA nominees on the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee.