In memoriam: Philip Leon Marshall Davies

It is with great sadness that the Diamond Light Source community recognises the passing of Philip Leon Marshall Davies, who gave over 18 years of dedicated service as a member of the Board of Directors and as chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee.

Marshall joined the board at Diamond Light Source in 2007, bringing with him decades of experience at the highest levels of professional leadership in pharmacy and healthcare. He dedicated considerable time and effort to the formation of Diamond, through all the years of planning, construction and eventual successful operations. Over the 16 years he served as a non-executive director, he provided guidance, oversight and an understanding of how world-class science translates into real benefit for patients and society.  

Professor Gianluigi Botton, Diamond’s CEO, said: “Marshall’s contributions to Diamond Light Source were profound and lasting. His strategic insight, leadership and commitment to excellence helped shape our governance at a critical time in our development. More than that, he was a generous mentor and a deeply respected colleague whose kindness and integrity set a standard for all of us. We are profoundly grateful for his service.” 

As a former president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, he championed patient-centred care before the term became commonplace, recognising that patients rightly expect to play an active role in decisions about their health. His leadership in this approach helped to shape the modern pharmacy profession. 

After obtaining a pharmacy degree from Cardiff University, Marshall began his career with Boots the Chemist in 1961, rising through the organisation to become director of operations and later business general manager of healthcare. Soon after this, he became pharmacy superintendent and elected to the company board.  

Marshall Davies (second from the left, bottom row) with members of the board in 2022.

He remained a committed advocate for community pharmacy throughout his career, including through his role as chair of the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA). Even in retirement, he continued to serve the profession with distinction, including as vice president and then president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB). 

Marshall was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2015 for services to pharmacy, a fitting recognition of a career defined by dedication and leadership. His passing is a loss felt across many sectors, including our own. 

We are grateful for the contribution Marshall made to Diamond Light Source and for the guidance he provided. For his service and knowledge, he will be remembered with great respect and appreciation.