Spire Healthcare Group (LSE:SPI) said Sir Ian Cheshire will step down as Chair by no later than 30 September, with Debbie White assuming the role from the same date.
White, who joined the private hospital group's board as an independent non-executive director in February 2023 and became senior independent director in May 2023, takes the title of Chair-Designate with immediate effect.
Sir Ian joined Spire Healthcare as Chair-Designate in March 2021 and became Chair that May.
His departure follows fresh commitments elsewhere: he has recently taken up the chairmanship of Ofcom, and the company confirmed today that he has also been appointed Chair of Anglian Water.
Sir Ian intends to remain available to advise the board through the remainder of his six-month notice period.
Natalie Ceeney, the non-executive director who led the succession process, said the board was unanimous in selecting White, citing her "deep sector expertise, sound judgement and a strong understanding of the business and our stakeholders."
Sir Ian said he was "proud of what the Company has achieved" over his five years as Chair and believes it has "the right foundations in place to continue to grow."
Ceeney will take on the role of Senior Independent Director following the transition.
