# Spire Healthcare names Debbie White as Chair-designate ahead of Sir Ian Cheshire’s departure

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/spire-healthcare-names-debbie-white-as-chair-designate-ahead-of-sir-ian-cheshire-s-departure/4121256292
- Published: 2026-07-14T07:17:40+01:00
- Author: Ethan Davis

**Spire Healthcare Group Plc** (LON:SPI) has announced that Sir Ian Cheshire will
step down from his role as Chair by no later than 30 September 2026. The Board of
Spire Healthcare has also announced 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.

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