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28 Nov 2016 07:00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 28 November 2016
Circle Holdings plc
(the "Company" or "Circle")
Board and Executive Changes
CEO Steve Melton Steps Down
Board Appoints Paolo Pieri as CEO
Circle Holdings plc (LSE: CIRC), the employee co-owned hospital group, today announces that Steve Melton is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer on 1 December 2016 and will be replaced by Paolo Pieri, the Company's current Chief Financial Officer.
Commenting on the Board changes, Chairman Michael Kirkwood said: "Steve Melton has informed the Board of his decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer to pursue new opportunities. Steve joined Circle in 2008, initially as COO, and assumed the role of CEO in 2012 at a critical moment for the Group and with a mission to redirect the business. In that time, Circle has progressed meaningfully and is positioned to benefit from exciting new opportunities in Rehabilitation, China and MSK services. I would like to thank Steve for his 8 years of service and, on behalf of the Board, wish him well for the future. Paolo will assume the role of CEO effective 1 December. He has been an invaluable member of the Board and management team since 2011 and a well-respected communicator of the Circle model to our investors and the wider market. Under his leadership, the Group will be well placed to broadly deliver the plans outlined in our H1 results, to continue our focus on excellent patient care, and to deliver long-term value for our shareholders. The Board and I look forward to supporting Paolo in his new role."
Mr Pieri is currently Circle's Chief Financial Officer and has led the Group's Finance, Legal and Investor Relations functions over the last 6 years. He has built strong relationships with financing partners, City analysts, and other key commercial stakeholders, while also developing new areas of strategic growth for the Group such as specialised rehabilitation and our MSK business model. Previously, he held senior finance roles at lastminute.com plc and the Virgin group.
The Board has appointed Sarah Marston, currently Head of Finance Operations, to serve as interim Chief Financial Officer. Sarah has over 15 years' experience in the healthcare sector, serving in senior financial and operational roles at BMI, Spire, and Bupa.
Steve Melton said: "I am confident that Circle's differentiated approach and relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care form the foundation for strong growth as the business enters the next exciting phase of its development. I am proud to have been a Circle partner for the past eight years, and privileged to have led the organisation for the past four. "
Paolo Pieri said: "Circle has been a leading innovator in delivering improved patient care. I believe now is an exciting time to build on this innovation to deliver tremendous value to our shareholders, our patients and our many partners."
For further information, please contact:
Circle Holdings plc +44(0) 20 7034 5258
Michael Kirkwood, Chairman
Alex Singleton, Head of Communications and Marketing
Numis Securities Limited +44(0) 20 7260 1000
Michael Meade, Nominated Adviser
Alex Ham, Ben Stoop Corporate Broking
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