Rupert Barclay to step down as chair of Impact Healthcare REIT

The chair of Impact Healthcare REIT Rupert Barclay plans to step down from the board and resign as a director at the end of the first quarter of 2023.

He has helped contribute to the growth of the company since its IPO in March 2017. During this time, the company’s portfolio has grown in value to £543m across 136 healthcare properties.

Simon Laffin will join the board as a non-executive director and chair designate on 1 January and take on the role when Barclay steps down. Laffin will also become a member of the nomination, remuneration and management engagement committees on appointment.

He has 30 years of board experience across sectors including real estate, previously serving as chair of Assura plc, Flybe Group plc and Hozelock Group. He has also been a non-executive director at Watkin Jones plc, Dentsu Group Inc, Quintain Estates and Development plc, Aegis Group plc, Mitchells & Butlers plc and Northern Rock (as part of the rescue team).

He was an adviser to CVC Capital Partners for ten years. Before this, he was group finance and property director of Safeway plc. Laffin published his first book, Behind Closed Doors. The Boardroom: How to Get In, Get On and Make a Difference, last year. He is a qualified accountant and graduate of Cambridge University.

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.’