Courtesy of the GPhC
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has appointed Chris Askew as its interim chief executive.
In July 2025, Askew stepped down as chief executive of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RGCP), a position he held since October 2023.
He has also held the post of chief executive of Diabetes UK — during which time he was awarded an OBE for services to people with diabetes — as well as for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, today known as Breast Cancer Now.
Askew will take up the role of interim chief executive from 1 October 2025.
In a statement published by the GPhC on 23 September 2025, Askew said: “I am greatly looking forward to taking on the role of interim chief executive and registrar and to supporting the GPhC to achieve its strategic aims at this crucial time of transition.
”Through my previous roles at the RCGP and in health charities, I have seen first-hand the vital role that pharmacy plays in improving people’s health. I welcome the opportunity to work with the GPhC’s key stakeholders, with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, as well as with GPhC members and staff, at a time of significant change in pharmacy and health services across Great Britain.”
Gisela Abbam, chair of the GPhC, said: “Chris brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organisation from his previous roles as chief executive at the RCGP and leading charities.
“Chris will be working closely with our council and the senior team to lead the organisation to continue to work effectively to deliver our new strategic plan.”
Abbam added that recruitment was ongoing for a permanent chief executive and registrar.
Duncan Rudkin, the current chief executive of the GPhC, is due to step down from his role on 31 December 2025, after 15 years in post.
In July 2025, Rudkin said: “With a strong new strategic plan in place, now is the right time for me to step down and support a successful transition to a new chief executive and registrar.”
