THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION
Spire Healthcare Group plc
("Spire Healthcare", "the Company" or "the Group")
Announcement of Management Changes
13 June 2017
Spire Healthcare Group plc (LSE: SPI), one of the UK's leading independent hospital groups, announces that Garry Watts, the current Executive Chairman, has been diagnosed with a medical condition and is currently undergoing treatment as a result of which he may need some short periods out of the business over the next several months. As a consequence, while he will remain active and engaged in the Company's activities, he has indicated to the Board his decision to revert to his previous role as Non-Executive Chairman of Spire.
In light of the above change in Garry's role, the Group is today announcing the appointment of Simon Gordon, Spire's current Chief Financial Officer, as Interim Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.
The post of Chief Financial Officer, also on an interim basis, will be taken by Andrew Goldsmith, who is currently Spire's Head of Finance. Andrew, who is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, joined the Spire Group (then Bupa Hospitals) in April 2007.
Spire also confirms that a formal process is underway to identify and appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer. The process is expected to include candidates from both inside and outside the Group.
Peter Bamford, Spire's Deputy Chairman & Senior Independent Director, said:
"I and the Board would like to thank Garry for all his hard work as Executive Chairman in the last year. Now that he is returning to his previous role as Non-Executive Chairman we are very fortunate to be able to appoint Simon Gordon as Interim CEO, since his tenure with the Company and previous interaction with our investors means he will move seamlessly into that role, while continuing to work closely with Garry. "
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For further information please contact:
Spire Healthcare
Antony Mannion, Investor Relations Director
+44 (0)20 7427 9160
Maitland
Neil Bennett / Tom Eckersley
+44 (0)20 7379 5151
Registered office and head office:
Spire Healthcare Group plc
3 Dorset Rise
London
EC4Y 8EN
