Royal Pharmaceutical Society chief executive Helen Gordon is due to leave the Society in February to become chief executive of the Royal Society of Medicine.

Ms Gordon joined the Royal Pharmaceutical Society on 1 July 2010 and developed its role, work and impact as the newly dedicated professional body for pharmacists after the organisation split from its regulatory function that year. She championed the introduction of a professional development and recognition system for pharmacists, the RPS Faculty and Foundation programmes, published professional standards as well as guidance and has increased the profile and contribution of the RPS to international pharmacy.

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

“I would like to pay credit to all the elected members, staff and Presidents, past and present, who work tirelessly to support the pharmacy profession and wider 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.