Spire Healthcare Group plc announced the appointment of its new Chairman following the decision of Garry Watts to retire. Sir Ian Cheshire will join the company as Chairman-designate on March 4, 2021 and accede to the role of Chairman following the AGM on May 13, 2021. Sir Ian brings to the company considerable FTSE experience, deep understanding at the government-business interface and broad ESG credentials. Sir Ian's long and distinguished career included 17 years at Kingfisher plc, the last seven of which was as Group CEO. He was also CEO of B&Q. Sir Ian offers significant chair experience having most recently served as Chairman of Barclays UK for four years during which time he helped establish the ring fenced bank and successfully set up its board and governance structure. Sir Ian has held a number of Lead Non-Executive roles in UK Government, including Lead Non-Executive Member of the Cabinet Office Board. Sir Ian also has considerable ESG credentials through prominent roles such as Chairman of The Prince of Wales Corporate Leaders Group on climate change and president of the Business Disability Forum President's Group.