14 July 2026
Spire Healthcare Group plc
("Spire Healthcare", the "Company")
Chair Succession
Spire Healthcare announces that Sir Ian Cheshire will step down from his role as Chair by no later than 30 September 2026. The Board of Spire Healthcare is pleased to announce that Debbie White, who joined the Board as an independent non-executive director in February 2023 and became senior independent director in May 2023, will assume the position of Chair-Designate with immediate effect and Chair from the same date as Sir Ian steps down.
Sir Ian joined Spire Healthcare as Chair-Designate in March 2021 and became non-executive Chair at the conclusion of its annual general meeting in May 2021. In addition to his other Chair and advisory commitments, Sir Ian has recently taken up the role as Chair of Ofcom and it has been announced today that he has been appointed as Chair of Anglian Water. After Sir Ian steps down as Chair, he intends to be fully available to advise and consult for the remainder of his six-month notice period.
Natalie Ceeney CBE, Independent Non-Executive Director, who led the process of choosing the Chair-Designate, said: "On behalf of the Board and Management Team, I would like to thank Sir Ian for his dedication and guidance during his time as Chair of Spire Healthcare. His business knowledge, commercial experience, deep network and sage advice have helped the team drive the Company forward.
After a thorough process, the Board was unanimous in selecting Debbie as Chair-Designate. Debbie combines deep sector expertise, sound judgement and a strong understanding of the business and our stakeholders. She is ideally placed to guide the Board, support management and drive forward the business in the best interests of all stakeholders."
Sir Ian Cheshire said: "It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Spire Healthcare over the past five years. I am proud of what the Company has achieved over that time and strongly believe it has the right foundations in place to continue to grow. I am delighted that I will be leaving the Board in Debbie's capable hands and I will wish her and the whole Spire Healthcare team the best for the future. I look forward to seeing the Company go from strength to strength."
Natalie Ceeney will assume the role of Senior Independent Director.
Enquiries:
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Brunswick Group |
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Simon Sporborg / Roman Girn |
+44 20 7404 5959 |
About Spire Healthcare
Spire Healthcare is a leading, independent healthcare group in the United Kingdom, running 38 hospitals and over 60 clinics across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with over 8,800 experienced consultants, Spire Healthcare delivered tailored, personalised care to over 1.36 million inpatients, outpatients and day case patients, and workplace health clients, in 2025. It is the leading private provider, by volume, of knee and hip operations in the United Kingdom.
It operates a network of private GPs and provides workplace health services to over 1,400 employers. It also delivers a range of private, NHS and employer-funded mental health, musculoskeletal and 3 dermatological services, and is the largest independent provider of NHS talking therapies in England.
Spire Healthcare's almost 100 well-located clinical sites deliver award-winning care for self-pay patients, the NHS, employers and private medical insurance ('PMI') providers. 98% of Spire Healthcare's inspected locations are rated 'Good,' 'Outstanding', or the equivalent by health inspectors in England, Wales and Scotland.
Spire Healthcare is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 250.