Chief Executive

Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Helen Gordon joined the Royal Pharmaceutical Society on 1 July 2010 and has developed its role, work and impact as the newly dedicated professional body for pharmacists in Great Britain. Under Helen’s leadership and direction the Society has created a much stronger patient and member focused organisation which has introduced a professional development and recognition system for pharmacists, published professional standards as well as guidance, and has increased its profile and contribution to the health community in the UK and international pharmacy. The organisation has gained greater recognition for speaking on behalf of the pharmacy profession, a higher level of participation from patient groups, and is actively working in collaboration with other Royal Colleges on initiatives that benefit patients and the public.  The Society is also home for the well known and trusted publisher, Pharmaceutical Press. Prior to this she held the position of Chief Executive of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, a position she held from 2005.

Helen has a career in health care spanning over 30 years. Originally training as a nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, she progressed through a number of senior clinical and managerial positions, including the roles of Executive Director of Operations /Chief Nurse and Chief Executive at Hillingdon Hospital, and then from 2000-2005 she was Chief Executive at Queen Mary’s Sidcup NHS Trust.

Helen holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Henley Business School and, being passionate about supporting and developing people, she coaches and mentors others.

For the past 7 years she has contributed to higher education as a Governor for Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee there. Helen also chairs the Alumni Relationship and Development Advisory Board at Henley Business School/ University of Reading.

She was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of General Practitioners in November 2013.

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