The pharmaceutical sector has been hit with grief following the sudden death of one of the UK’s most recognised entrepreneurs, Kirit Patel MBE.
As Chief Executive of the Day Lewis group, Kirit gained much acclaim for his almost 40-year of retail pharmacy achievements, growing the company from two pharmacies in 1975 to over 240 pharmacies in the UK.
His significant service to the profession extended outside of his Chief Executive role too, being fundamental in a number of pharmacy associations, such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies.
Exuding an interest in pharmacy since his younger years, Kirit forged the beginning of his career path at Portsmouth University, later also obtaining degrees from Westminster University, Brighton University and the University of Pennsylvania.
Prior to his passing, Kirit remarked that for him, one of the standout moments at Day Lewis was being honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in acknowledgement of his services to pharmacies in the South of England.
In a statement released in the aftermath of his death, the family and senior management team of the Day Lewis group said, ‘Kirit had invested significant time planning for the future in recent years. The next generation, his children Jay, Rupa and Sam, with full support of JC Patel (co-founder and brother), will continue to lead Day Lewis and uphold Kirit’s values, deliver his vision and protect his legacy.
‘The company’s experienced senior management team will continue in their current responsibilities and no changes are anticipated in the company’s day-to-day business activities.’
