Newcastle-headquartered Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord, announced that Simon Fraser has been appointed to the board as non-executive director and chair designate to succeed Mark Clare, whose nine year tenure as chair will conclude in February 2026 at the company’s next AGM.
“Simon is being appointed as an independent non-executive director with effect from 1 October 2025 and will also join the board’s committees, enabling an orderly handover prior to Mark’s departure,” said Grainger.
“Simon will stand for election at the 2026 AGM and, if elected, will move into the role of chair of the board and nominations committee with effect from the end of the 2026 AGM.
“Simon brings substantial real estate and investment experience and more than 13 years of FTSE Board experience with two prominent REITs, SEGRO plc and Derwent London plc.
“He is currently chair of the remuneration cmmittee at SEGRO plc, and Senior Independent Director at St James’s Place plc. Between 2015 to 2021, Simon was Senior Independent Director at Derwent London Plc. He was also on the board of Legal & General Investment Management from 2015 to 2024 and Lancashire Holdings Ltd from 2013 to 2023.
“Simon also brings a wealth of experience in the global capital markets from a long, successful career in investment banking and corporate broking, advising a wide range of clients across numerous sectors, including many consumer facing businesses.
“Prior to his retirement from executive roles in 2011, Simon worked at Bank of America Merrill Lynch where he was Managing Director and Co-Head of Corporate Broking.”
Grainger CEO Helen Gordon said: “Simon has a deep understanding of both the real estate investment market and the global capital markets. With Grainger’s excellent operational track record in a strong, growing market, Simon’s experience will help us continue on our plans to deliver compounding earnings growth as we enter our first financial year as a REIT.”
Fraser said: “I am very excited to be joining Grainger which is a great business with some even greater prospects.”
Justin Read, as Senior Independent Director, led the appointment process.