Aspen Healthcare chief executive Des Shiels has been appointed chairman of the Association of Independent Health Organisations (AIHO).

Shiels (pictured) takes over at the trade association for independent healthcare providers from Rob Roger, the departing chief executive of Spire Healthcare who served as chair of AIHO for three years.

Roger announced he would step down from his position at Spire earlier this year with his resignation becoming effective this month. He is joining student accommodation business Vero Group, HealthInvestor understands.

AIHO chief executive Fiona Booth said: “I am really looking forward to continuing to work with Des in his new role as chair. As the trade association for independent hospitals, AIHO plays an important role in representing the sector to regulators, policymakers and in the media.”