New chairman of Barchester Healthcare announced

John Coleman has been appointed Chairman of Barchester Healthcare, the leading quality care provider which has more than 200 homes and hospitals across the UK.

Mr Coleman has 14 years of experience as a non-executive director on the boards of various companies in different sectors, including builders’ merchants, travel/leisure and retail.

As well as his experience as a non-executive director, he worked as CEO of House of Fraser between 1996 and 2006, as CEO of Texas Homecare at Ladbrokes between 1993 and 1995 and MD of various divisions of The Burton Group between 1985 and 1993.

Mr Coleman is a qualified accountant and received a BAcc, in Accountancy and Economics from the University of Glasgow in 1974.

He took over as Chairman on 1 March 2015 from Baroness Ford of Cunningham, who said, “The whole of the care sector is going through a period of unprecedented change. We are already in a very strong position as a result of our recent financial restructuring, focus on quality and changes to the senior management within the organisation. John Coleman brings a wealth of experience in leading change and driving improvements in quality and I am delighted that he will be taking over as Chairman to ensure that Barchester consolidates its leading position within the industry”.

Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare added: “John’s experience will be invaluable in supporting the work of the 17,500 staff across the company in providing top quality care for all of the people we look after and care for.”

Mr Coleman said, “Barchester has a great reputation for providing a quality service and I am very much looking forward to working with the Board and the executive team to strengthen Barchester’s leading position in the market.”