Planet Pharmacy announces appointment of Hasan Ukra

Mr Ukra joins Planet Pharmacy after four years with Boots in the UK where he ran a range of stores, including its flagship pharmacy in Oxford Street, central London.

His appointment continues Planet Pharmacy's rapid growth and follows the announcement of CEO John Makepeace - an industry leader with over 20 years experience in the UK and Canada - joining the company at the beginning of 2008.

Mr Ukra, who speaks Arabic and has a Masters in Pharmacy from the University of London School of Pharmacy, will be responsible for attracting, developing and retaining professional pharmacists into the Planet Pharmacy business.

He will also oversee best practice and the highest quality services in all Planet Pharmacy stores across the UAE and wider Middle East region.

Mr Ukra, said:

"I am delighted to be joining Planet Pharmacy at such an important stage in its short history and I look forward to bringing my experience - and hopefully adding value - to this exciting market."

"Our Health First pharmacies, which are due to be launched later this year, will deliver the highest level of care to our customers and our overall aim is to lift the standards of pharmacies across the Middle East region. I am looking forward to playing a valuable role in this vision and delivering on the needs and expectations of the Middle East consumers," he added.

Mr Ukra, who is a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, will be representing Planet Pharmacy in the wider professional pharmaceutical industry and within government bodies.