Mark studied pharmacy at the University, graduating in 1999. Living and working in the area, he has retained close links with the University and joined the Board of Governors in 2021.
Mark is a practising community pharmacist and developed a successful chain of local pharmacies in the north-east of England. He has been active in pharmacy governance both nationally and internationally.
Mark was Secretary General of the World Pharmacy Council for three years, where he directed global pharmacy initiatives, in line with international health priorities.
Prior to that appointment he chaired the Resource Development and Finance Subcommittee of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, representing community pharmacies at a national level.
Mark is also the Chairman and Director of the charitable organisation Lynemouth Day Centre, which provides community care for senior citizens and the Chairman and Director of Chester-le-Street Cricket Club.
As well as chairing the Board, Mark sits on the University’s Finance, Development and Resources Committee, and the People and Remuneration Committee. Mark also acts as the Lead Governor for the University of Sunderland in Hong Kong.
Mark joined the Board in 2021, and was appointed as Chair of the Board in 2025.