CEO steps down to battle cancer

THE chief executive of Warrington-based investor and developer of primary care properties Assura has stepped down as he battles cancer.

Graham Roberts took leave of absence to concentrate on his treatment, which remains on going.

The company has announced he now believes he needs to focus all his energies on further treatment and recovery and has resigned with immediate effect.

The board of the listed company will now start a process to appoint a replacement CEO.

Simon Laffin has stepped up to be executive chairman of Assura and will continue to do so until this process is complete.

Roberts said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved since I became CEO of Assura in establishing the business as the leading provider of primary care property in the UK today.

“This is a great example of a company that has both supported local communities and created substantial value for the shareholders. We have built a first class management team and I leave the business in very capable hands. I wish them all every success in delivering the next chapter in the Assura story.”

Laffin said: “Graham has been a great leader and CEO to this business over the past four years, delivering a period of unparalleled success which has seen the market capitalisation increase from £152m to become a FTSE 250 company valued at over £900m.

“All of us are greatly saddened by Graham’s illness and resignation, and wish him well. He has left a business in great shape with a fine team. We shall continue to grow Assura and support NHS primary care in the UK.”