Directorate Change

RNS Number : 5250I

Assura PLC

22 March 2018

 

                                                                                                                                 22 March 2018

Assura plc

Directorate Change

Assura plc ("Assura" or the "Company"), the leading investor and developer of primary care properties, announces today that Simon Laffin intends to retire as Non-Executive Chairman and a Director of the Company at the conclusion of the AGM on 10 July. Simon was appointed Chairman in 2011 and served over a period which has seen Assura grow strongly, join the FTSE 250 Index and establish itself as the leader in its sector.

Simon indicated to the Board last year that he was considering retiring after seven years in the role. Accordingly, the Board initiated a search for a new non-executive director, who could provide possible succession to the Chairman. Following the search process, Ed Smith joined the board in October last year as a Non-Executive Director. The Board now intends to appoint Ed as Non-Executive Chairman at the AGM.

Simon Laffin, Non-Executive Chairman, commented; "It has been a privilege to have been involved with Assura over the last seven years, and to see it grow and develop so well over this time. Assura exists to support the NHS with its primary care property, as well as providing an attractive return to its shareholders. I am proud that Assura has performed so well on both these objectives. I wish my successor, Ed Smith, all the best in his future role."

David Richardson, Senior Independent Director, commented; "Simon's vision and determination for the company has guided it through a turnaround from a business suffering severe financial difficulties in 2011 to the well-financed and focused Company we have today. He leaves a strong management team and Board in place. He retires with our thanks and best wishes for the future. I'm delighted that Ed has agreed to take on the role of Chairman."

Ed Smith, Non-Executive Director commented: "I feel privileged to have been asked to take over as Non-Executive Chairman from Simon, whose leadership in the last seven years has built Assura into the leading business in its sector. I very much look forward to working with the Board and the executive team to deliver further success into the future."

- Ends -

For more information, please contact:

Assura plc	Tel: [phone]
Orla Ball
Edelman Mav Wynn	Tel: [phone]
Rob Yates

Notes to Editors

Assura plc, a constituent of the FTSE 250 and the EPRA* indices, is a UK REIT and long-term investor in and developer of primary care property. The company, headquartered in Warrington, works with GPs, health professionals and the NHS to create innovative property solutions in order to facilitate delivery of high quality patient care in the community. At 30 September 2017, Assura's property portfolio was valued at £1.56 billion.

Ed Smith

Ed Smith was Chairman of NHS Improvement for two years and Deputy Chairman and SID of NHS England for four years. He is Chairman of the HCA Healthcare UK Advisory Board and also the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of Council at the University of Birmingham. He was the former Global Assurance Chief Operating Officer and Strategy Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Before retiring from PwC, he had a 30- year career including as a Senior Partner, holding many leading board and top client roles in the UK and globally.

 

END

 

 

BOAPGUMPWUPRGBG