Fortava Healthcare has announced the appointment of Stephen Collier as Chairman, marking a significant step in strengthening its leadership team as the organisation accelerates its growth and expansion strategy across the UK care sector.
Stephen brings over three decades of senior leadership experience in healthcare, with an exceptional track record spanning private equity-backed businesses, independent healthcare providers, and NHS organisations. His appointment reflects Fortava Healthcare’s ambition to build a high-quality, scalable care platform underpinned by strong governance and sector-leading expertise.
Stephen currently serves as Chair of Genesis Care Holdings and of The Bridge Care Limited. He has held a number of high-profile board and executive roles across the healthcare landscape. Most recently, he was Executive Chairman of HCRG Care Group, where he played a key role in guiding the organisation through a period of transformation and growth. He also served as Chairman of complex and specialist care provider Cornerstone Healthcare Group, further strengthening his experience across high-acuity care settings.
Earlier in his career, Stephen served as Group Chief Executive of BMI Healthcare, the UK’s largest independent healthcare provider, overseeing a network of 64 hospitals, 12,000 staff and approximately 1.3 million outpatient visits annually.
In addition to his executive and board roles, Stephen has acted as a strategic advisor to private equity investors, international healthcare organisations and academic institutions, supporting market entry strategies, acquisitions, and the development of innovative, patient-focused care models.
As Chairman of Fortava Healthcare, Stephen will work closely with the executive team to support the organisation’s ambitious expansion plans, ensuring strong governance, strategic clarity and continued focus on delivering high-quality care.
Commenting on the appointment, Johann van Zyl, CEO of Fortava Healthcare, said:
“Stephen’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Fortava Healthcare as we enter our next phase of growth. His experience leading and advising some of the most significant organisations in UK healthcare is unparalleled, and his track record in scaling businesses while maintaining a strong focus on quality makes him the ideal Chairman for Fortava.
We are building a platform that combines operational excellence with outstanding care, and Stephen’s strategic insight, governance expertise and deep sector knowledge will be instrumental in helping us achieve that vision. I am delighted to welcome him to the team.”
Stephen Collier added:
“I am delighted to be joining Fortava Healthcare at such an exciting stage in its development. The organisation has a clear growth strategy, a strong leadership team and a genuine commitment to delivering high-quality care. I look forward to working with Johann, Jamie and the wider team to support Fortava’s expansion and help build a leading care provider for the future.”
Fortava Healthcare is a new and forward-thinking specialist dementia care provider based in Peterborough with a bold vision: to transform the standard of dementia and specialist care in the UK.
Stephen Collier, Chairman, Fortava Healthcare