Fraser to take Grainger chair
Simon Fraser has been appointed to the build-to-rent specialist’s board as non-executive director and chair designate. He will succeed Mark Clare in early 2026.
Clare’s nine year tenure as chair will conclude in February 2026, at the Newcastle-based company’s next AGM.
Fraser will carry out duties as an independent NED with effect from 1 October, and will also join the board’s committees, enabling an orderly handover.
He will then 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.
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Fraser brings with him more than 13 years of FTSE board experience with two prominent REITs in SEGRO and Derwent London.
He is currently chair of the remuneration committee at industrial heavyweight SEGRO, and senior independent director at St James’s Place, a role he also held at Derwent London between 2015 and 2021. He was also on the board of Legal & General Investment Management from 2015 to 2024 and Lancashire Holdings from 2013 to 2023.
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.
Helen Gordon, chief executive of Grainger, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Simon Fraser to the Board. 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 commented: “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.
