National Pharmacies has appointed Brigid Hughes (pictured) as Chief Executive Officer, making her the first woman to lead the organisation since it was founded 115 years ago.
From CFO to top job
Ms Hughes joined National Pharmacies as Chief Financial Officer in August 2025, and has served as Acting CEO since July this year, working alongside the Board and leadership team to advance the organisation’s strategy.
She succeeds former CEO Mark Smith, who has returned to Sydney due to family reasons.
National Pharmacies’ Senior Manager of Finance, Andrew Burgess, has been appointed CFO, bringing more than 17 years’ experience as a finance leader across engineering and construction, health, accounting and auditing.
A strategic fit
National Pharmacies Chairman Pauline Carr says Ms Hughes’ appointment reflects her proven leadership, financial and commercial expertise, deep understanding of National Pharmacies and strong alignment with its strategic direction.
“Ms Hughes has demonstrated the leadership capability and strategic perspective needed to build on our 115-year history, while positioning National Pharmacies for sustainable growth as community pharmacy expands its role in supporting a health system under increasing pressure,” says Ms Carr.
‘An important role to play’
Born and raised in Adelaide, Ms Hughes says she’s proud to lead a South Australian organisation with a 115-year history during a key period in community pharmacy’s evolution.
“Community pharmacy is entering a new phase, with an opportunity to play an even greater role in keeping people healthy, supporting them when they are unwell and making healthcare more accessible, convenient and value-led,” she says.
“National Pharmacies has an important role to play in the future of community pharmacy.
“Our focus is on expanding services and delivering more value to our members while continuing to invest in our people and communities.
“What sets us apart is that we are a member-led organisation. It is a powerful model for sustainable growth and one I’m proud to lead into its next chapter.”
Ms Hughes brings more than 20 years’ experience in finance and senior leadership across multinational, ASX-listed and privately owned consumer-facing organisations, with experience spanning retail, fast-moving consumer goods and large-scale service businesses.
Prior to joining National Pharmacies, she was Head of Financial Planning and Analysis for Viva Energy Australia (owners of the OTR Group and Reddy Express) in Adelaide. She spent two decades working in the UK, including as CFO for a private equity-backed national restaurant group.
