Independent health, community care and childcare data provider LaingBuisson has appointed Stephen Dorrell as chairman and Henry Elphick as chief executive with immediate effect.

Dorrell (pictured) was a Conservative MP for 36 years from 1979-2015 and was secretary of state for health under Prime Minister John Major’s Conservative government. Dorrell has also previously been chair of the House of Commons Health Committee.

Elphick joins LaingBuisson from Jefferies International, where he was European joint head of healthcare investment banking.

The company’s founder William Laing will step down from a full-time executive role but remain on the board as a non-executive director. The company stated the appointments are part of an ordered succession plan.

Dorrell said: “William Laing has created an extraordinary company and I am delighted to be appointed as chairman. Henry and I bring extensive and complementary skills and networks. Together, we are well positioned to take the business forward.”

Elphick added: “With the appointment of Stephen as chairman and myself as chief executive, our immediate focus will be to continue acting as close advisors to our clients. However, in these changeable times, we believe there is further potential for adapting and broadening our offering of products and services to help our clients better understand the complex challenges and opportunities of the market today.”