The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has appointed Sir Michael Pitt as non-executive chairman.

Sir Michael, who has extensive experience in local government, the civil service and private sector, will take up his post on September 1. He replaces Sir Peter Dixon, who will complete four years as chairman at the end of August.

Sir Michael has held a number of major roles in local government, including chief executive of Cheshire and Kent County Councils and is a former president of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives. He has also chaired a strategic health authority and he is currently chair of the Legal Services Board.

Chief executive Sue Sharpe commented: "Sir Michael has an exceptional record of achievement and a wealth of relevant experience working in government and beyond, including in the health service. As community pharmacy’s relationships with local authorities and other commissioners remain crucial, Sir Michael’s experience and counsel will be invaluable to the committee."

Sir Michael Pitt added: “I have seen first-hand the pressures facing local authorities and other organisations as they try to safeguard high quality services for local communities in an increasingly difficult financial environment.

"Community pharmacies already provide an excellent and accessible service to those communities. I would like to see community pharmacies being used to their full potential, providing a range of high quality public health and other services to improve care for patients and to reduce burdens on health and social care services."