Spire Healthcare deputy chairman to step down

Spire Healthcare’s deputy chairman and senior independent director John Gildersleeve will stand down from the board for personal reasons.

The FTSE 250 private hospitals operator said Gildersleeve will stay on as a director until a new independent non-executive director has been appointed, which is expected to occur by the end of the year.

Gildersleeve will remain as the company's senior independent director, and will continue to serve as chairman of the Nomination Committee and as a member of the Remuneration Committee until his departure.

Chairman Garry Watts said: “"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank John for his service and wish him well. During his time on the board, he has provided guidance to the independent directors and helped establish the corporate governance of the group since we listed in 2014.”

At 1125 BST, Spire shares were up 0.4% to 342.74p.