First female CEO for one of SA’s oldest companies
One of the state’s leading companies announces changes at the top, saying it is ready to support a “health system under increasing pressure”.
National Pharmacies has today named Brigid Hughes as its new CEO, making her the first woman to lead the South Australian company in its 115-year history.
Hughes – who has been acting CEO since July – was born and raised in Adelaide and said she was proud to lead the organisation as it enters a “new phase”.
The incoming CEO, who has been chief financial officer since August 2025, replaces former CEO Mark Smith, who moved to Sydney for family reasons.
National Pharmacies is a leading SA business and was ranked 21st in the 2025 South Australian Business Index.
It was founded in 1911 as a single dispensary in Adelaide, and has since expanded its footprint to 46 stores in SA, Victoria and New South Wales.
The company is a mutual organisation where profits made through operations are returned to members in the form of benefits and discounts.
Chairman Pauline Carr said Hughes’ appointment reflected her proven leadership and deep understanding of the business.
“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,” Carr said.
The new CEO has more than 20 years of experience in finance across multinational, ASX-listed and privately-owned consumer-facing organisations.
She was previously head of financial planning and analysis for Viva Energy Australia (the owners of service station chain OTR) in Adelaide.
Hughes said National Pharmacies was set to play an “even greater role” in the community pharmacy space.
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“National Pharmacies has an important role to play in the future of community pharmacy,” she said.
“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.”
Meanwhile, National Pharmacies senior manager of finance Andrew Burgess has been promoted to chief financial officer, replacing Hughes.
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