Kandarp Thakkar

With more than two decades of clinical, operational and strategic leadership experience across the NHS, academia and international healthcare, he brings a rare combination of system‑level insight, transformation expertise and a deep commitment to developing people.

Kandarp began his career after graduating with First Class Honours from the London School of Pharmacy and completing his training at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital. His early clinical work in acute and elderly medicine shaped his long‑standing interests in safer prescribing, antimicrobial stewardship and quality improvement — themes reflected throughout his published research and award‑winning projects, including national recognition for My Medication Passport and multiple NIHR CLAHRC awards.

He has since held Chief Pharmacist roles in Bedford Hospital and King’s College London in Dubai, alongside wider leadership posts such as Divisional Clinical Director for Surgery, Women’s & Children’s and Director of Integration & Transformation. These roles have given him extensive experience in workforce redesign, service improvement, digital medicines optimisation and leading teams through complex organisational change.

Alongside his NHS leadership, Kandarp is Founder and Director of Kandarp Thakkar Consulting Ltd., providing strategic advisory support, coaching and bespoke development programmes for healthcare organisations, MedTech and pharmaceutical companies. His coaching approach is grounded in formal training — including GROW coaching and mediation skills — and shaped by years of mentoring pharmacists, clinicians and emerging leaders.

Kandarp is a regular national and international speaker on medicines optimisation, controlled drugs, workforce, digital transformation and inclusive leadership. He holds academic appointments with Peninsula Medical School and contributes to editorial boards and advisory groups across the profession.

As a mentor and interview coach, Kandarp is known for his ability to help individuals articulate their strengths, navigate career transitions, build confidence and prepare for senior leadership roles. His style blends strategic clarity, compassionate challenge and practical insight drawn from real‑world executive experience. He is particularly passionate about supporting pharmacists stepping into prescribing roles, aspiring Chief Pharmacists, and professionals seeking to lead transformational change with authenticity and impact.