Exemplar Health Care, a leading provider of specialist nursing care for adults living with a range of complex and high acuity needs, has announced the appointment of Dr Graham Rich as its new chairman of the board.

As part of his role, Graham will be supporting the Exemplar Health Care board to develop and implement the company’s strategic plan. He will work with the existing leadership team and advise on clinical governance, external stakeholder management and digital transformation.

Graham has a wealth of experience in chair and non-executive director roles across the healthcare and technology sectors. A clinician by training, Graham started his career as a GP and has held a series of senior leadership positions including CEO of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, CEO of West Hull Primary Care Trust and director of Health Services for Boston Consulting Group. Graham has also served on the Boards of Cambian Group Plc and Allocate Software.

Following a highly successful executive career, Graham has built out his non-executive portfolio, and was most recently appointed Chairman of Healios, a rapidly growing technology enabled service for children and young adults with mental and neuro-developmental issues.

Talking about his appointment, Dr Rich said: “I am very pleased to be joining Exemplar Health Care, at this key stage in the company’s history. I am looking forward to working with the team to promote excellent care so that every day is better for the people we support.”

John Whitehead, CEO adds: “We’re delighted to have Graham on board. His extensive experience in the sector will support us through our ambitious growth plan over the next five years. His experience working with technology companies will bring added value to our digital transformation programme and his wealth of knowledge will strengthen our Leadership Team.”