Assura CEO Roberts steps down to focus on treatment

Assura CEO Graham Roberts announced on Tuesday that he is to formally step down, as his treatment for cancer remains ongoing.

The FTSE 250 firm said on 4 March that Roberts was taking a leave of absence to receive treatment for his cancer.

In Tuesday’s announcement, it said Graham now believes he needs to focus all his energies on his further treatment and recovery, leading to his decision to step down as CEO with immediate effect.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved since I became CEO of Assura in establishing the business as the leading provider of primary care property in the UK today,” Roberts said.

“This is a great example of a company that has both supported local communities and created substantial value for the shareholders.

“We have built a first class management team and I leave the business in very capable hands. I wish them all every success in delivering the next chapter in the Assura story,” he added.

The board of Assura said it will now commence a process to appoint a replacement CEO.

As announced in March, Simon Laffin has stepped up to be executive chairman and he will continue in that role until the process is complete, the board confirmed.

“Graham has been a great leader and CEO to this business over the past four years, delivering a period of unparalleled success which has seen the market capitalisation increase from £152m to become a FTSE 250 company valued at over £900m,” Laffin said.

“All of us are greatly saddened by Graham's illness and resignation, and wish him well.

“He has left a business in great shape with a fine team. We shall continue to grow Assura and support NHS primary care in the UK,” Laffin explained.