News

12th December 2025: The Healthcare Distribution Association (HDA UK) has today announced the appointment of Alex Williams as its new Executive Director. Alex succeeds Martin Sawer who is retiring after leading the Association for 21 years.

Alex joins HDA UK in January after a career spent at the heart of healthcare policymaking. He most recently led GSK’s Market Access team in the UK, having previously spent more than a decade at the heart of the NHS, including time spent as the NHS England Deputy Director responsible for designing and delivering the COVID-19 Vaccination supply chain programme. Alex also led the NHS England medicines sourcing team during the first wave of the pandemic, working closely with HDA members to ensure robust supply of critical medicines. Previous business experience will also assist the medicines distribution sector as it continues to prove its value across the medicines supply chain.

Reflecting on his 21 years at the HDA, Martin Sawer commented:

I am delighted to be handing over the HDA reins to Alex, who will bring an ideal mix of public and private sector leadership experience to our Association. During the Covid pandemic HDA member companies valued his deep understanding of the vital contribution our sector plays every day on behalf of the NHS. It was this role, in particular, that allowed Alex to appreciate the vital role that HDA members play in ensuring that patients across the UK receive the right medicines, in the right place, at the right time.

 Joining the Association in early January 2026, Alex will work with Martin for a two-month transition period. Alex will also work closely with the HDA’s Independent Chair, Jeremy Main, and Regulatory and Development Director, John Preston, to maintain the HDA’s ongoing focus on enhancing the appreciation and understanding of the healthcare distribution sector in the UK and the value it brings to patients, the NHS and the taxpayer.

Commenting on his appointment, Alex Williams noted:

After seeing firsthand the immense efforts of HDA members during the COVID-19 pandemic it is the utmost honour to be appointed as the Association’s new Executive Director. The HDA is in a strong position with a united voice and growing membership. I look forward to helping members get their voices heard on key issues such as the appropriate regulation, supply chain resilience and the overall economic sustainability of our sector.