Real estate investment trust Impact Healthcare, which invests in UK healthcare real estate assets, in particular care homes, has announced that Simon Laffin will be appointed non-executive chairman designate on 1 January, succeeding Rupert Barclay who has been with the company since its IPO in March 2017.

Laffin will also become a member of the nomination, remuneration and management engagement committees on appointment.

Laffin is a qualified accountant with 30 years of board experience across a number of sectors including real estate, and was previously chairman of Assura, Flybe Group and Hozelock Group. He has also been a non-executive director at Watkin Jones, Dentsu Group, Quintain Estates and Development, Aegis Group, Mitchells & Butlers and Northern Rock (as part of the rescue team). He was an adviser to CVC Capital Partners for 10 years. Prior to this, he was group finance and property director of Safeway. He wrote a book ‘Behind Closed Doors. The Boardroom: How to Get In, Get On and Make a Difference’ last year.

In a statement the board stated that during Barclay’s tenure: “the company’s portfolio has grown in value to £543 million across 136 healthcare properties as at 30 September 2022, let to 14 tenants on fixed-term leases of 20 to 35 years (no break clauses), subject to annual upward-only inflation-linked rent reviews (with floors and caps). He will leave the business very well-positioned to continue to deliver attractive sustainable returns to shareholders through its covered progressive dividend, further strong capital growth potential and value creation capabilities of the Group’s resilient portfolio for the benefit of all stakeholders. Rupert will depart the business with our best wishes.”

Barclay said: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to the board. He brings extensive property sector and chair experience that will further strengthen the board and be hugely valuable to the company. It has been a privilege to serve as chairman since IPO, working closely with my colleagues on the board and the investment management team. I am proud of what has been achieved so far, and the company is very well-positioned for the future.”