This announcement comes following an exceptional 9 ½ year career dedicated to supporting pharmacists and strengthening the community pharmacy sector. The Branch Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Cook as the organisation’s next Branch Director, effective 23 February 2026.
Over many years of service, Schwarz has been a steadfast advocate for community pharmacy, working closely with members, governments, and health system partners to ensure pharmacies remain accessible, trusted, and sustainable providers of primary healthcare. He led the organisation through significant periods of reform, change, and growth, always guided by a clear purpose: to support pharmacies in delivering high-quality care to their communities.
Under Schwarz’s leadership, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (SA Branch) strengthened its voice in policy and advocacy, deepened engagement with members across South Australia, and reinforced the vital role community pharmacists play in patient care, public health, and local communities.
“It has been a privilege to represent community pharmacy and to work alongside pharmacists who serve their communities with professionalism and care every day,” said Schwarz. “I am proud of what we have collectively achieved in advancing the profession and ensuring community pharmacy is recognised as an essential part of the healthcare system.”
Importantly, Schwarz has been widely respected across the sector for his collaborative approach and deep understanding of the challenges facing community pharmacy, fostering strong relationships with members, professional bodies, government agencies, and health partners.
Newly appointed Branch Director, Christine Cook brings extensive senior leadership experience across Australia’s health, education and training sectors, combined with strong commercial and retail management expertise. She has more than 15 years of experience leading complex, member-based organisations, with a focus on workforce development, education, accreditation, governance and stakeholder engagement across primary care and specialist training. Her background also includes senior executive roles in commercially focused health education and retail environments, providing her with a practical understanding of business operations, profitability, supply chains and customer-focused service delivery.
Most recently, Ms Cook provided strategic consulting services to General Practice Registrars Australia, following leadership roles at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. She also served as Chief Executive Officer of GPEx, South Australia’s general practice training organisation. “Community pharmacy operates at the intersection of healthcare and small business. I am looking forward to working with members to support sustainable, successful community pharmacies while strengthening their role in delivering accessible, high-quality care to South Australians.”
Branch President, Matthew Gillespie, paid tribute to the outgoing CEO’s legacy and welcomed the new appointment:
“Peter Schwarz has been an unwavering advocate for community pharmacy for many years, leaving a lasting impact on both the organisation and the profession. On behalf of the Branch Committee and our members, we thank him for his dedication and leadership.
We are truly excited by the appointment of Christine Cook to the organisation. Christine brings a rare combination of deep health system knowledge and commercial acumen. Her understanding of both member-based organisations and retail-focused operations will be a significant asset to the Guild and to community pharmacy owners across South Australia. We are confident that Christine, through her experience and skillset, will continue to champion the interests of community pharmacy and lead the organisation into its next phase.”