Ex-Halifax chief takes role with online firm

Mr Hornby, CEO of bookmaker Coral, was appointed non-executive chairman of Leeds-based Pharmacy2U.

He will devote two or three days a month to the business, which serves the expanding market for mail-order drugs and repeat online prescriptions.

“Pharmacy2U is an exciting organisation, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to play a part in helping the management team achieve its vision for growth,” said Mr Hornby in a statement. “The company has an admirable track record of innovation and its potential to continue as an industry leader is clear.”

Mr Hornby, who lives in North Yorkshire, was CEO of HBOS until its rescue takeover by Lloyds in 2009. He was then CEO of pharmaceutical goods retailer Alliance Boots between 2009 and 2011. He previously held senior roles with Leeds-based Asda.

Pharmacy2U was founded by pharmacist Daniel Lee in 1999 and had sales of about £20m last year, with underlying earnings of around £750,000.

Mr Hornby could earn an equity stake in Pharmacy2U depending on its success.

“It’s great for Andy to come along as past CEO of Boots and give his seal of approval and want to be part of the future,” said Mr Lee.

“It’s a real coup and surpassed all our expectations.”