A business which works nationally and globally to deliver transformational programmes in health and justice has announced the first in a series of appointments as part of its new growth strategy.

Agencia, based in Hessle, has welcomed Ryan Smith to the new role of Director of Healthcare Services, in which he will lead the company’s strategy to grow its range of clinical services.

Ryan is a pharmacist with a wealth of experience in the commissioning and provision of NHS services, most recently holding a national operations role with Lloyds Pharmacy, part of McKesson UK.

He has engaged with Agencia in the past as a customer, supplier and partner and is familiar with the work of the company’s Primary Care Direct service in providing business support to health professionals including GP practices, pharmacists, local medical committees and primary care networks. 

He has also worked with the Agencia team on ReWire, a service which is finding growing demand for its work to help patients who are addicted to prescription drugs.

Ryan said: “Having seen first-hand the value that Agencia brings to its partners and commissioners, the decision to join this ambitious organisation was an easy one. At a time when the NHS and healthcare globally heeds innovation in service delivery, having the opportunity to be part of that with Agencia is hugely exciting.

“Having worked alongside Agencia I’m also very aware of the great potential the company has and I look forward to joining an organisation with such a positive culture and values.”

Helen Gibson, Managing Director of Agencia, said: “Ryan has impressed us through his collaboration with Agencia in the past. We believe that his technical skills and entrepreneurial thinking will significantly contribute to the development of our organisation as we look to deliver our healthcare strategy.”

As a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion more than half Agencia’s workload is international, with the new strategy embracing initiatives to protect UK interests overseas by tackling disease, terrorism, corruption, war crimes and modern slavery.

Helen added: “Ryan’s appointment is a key part of implementing our growth strategy. We intend to make further key appointments to deliver our vision, creating and establishing further brand channels and service areas as we have with the Serious Crime Directorate, Primary Care Direct and ReWire, and continuing to unlock value for our commissioners.

“Our work is tackling some of the most complex issues of our time in order to transform lives across the globe. We are growing and therefore we are looking to add values-driven, like-minded experts with a passion for making a sustainable difference.”