Saleem Asaria

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Saleem Asaria combines entrepreneurial flair with medical expertise and a desire to provide the very best for those in his care.

He co-founded Cambian Group plc in 2004 and has been its Chief Executive Officer ever since. Cambian is one of the largest providers of specialist behavioural health services for children in the UK.

Personal best

It provides services to almost 2,000 children and young people from 224 locations across the UK (37 schools, 179 specialist care homes, and eight fostering offices). Cambian works with most local authorities in England and Wales and employs more than 4,300 people.

Although this work embraces many specialist disciplines, it is united by a common purpose: to actively enable each and every one of the youngsters in Cambian’s care to achieve their personal best, however it is defined by them or for them.

Asaria’s hands-on style is welcomed by employees and children alike. An example is how on a visit to Southwick Park School,which caters for children with autism, he happily demonstrated his nimble footwork when he joined a dance class. He found the visit inspiring, saying: “I had an awesome visit and it was great to meet members of your team and to spend some time with your students.” The school reported back that his tour had a positive effect on both the staff and students.

Overcoming obstacles

A bold entrepreneur, Asaria has chosen a sector that presents many obstacles to growth, including the high degree of clinical expertise required, significant real estate investment and the rigorous regulatory environment. He has needed to deploy his considerable business acumen to overcome the challenges of fast growth and rising costs, and referral rates are growing strongly.

20 years in healthcare

Holding a BSc (Hons) in Pathology and Medical Sciences from the University of London,

Asaria has 20 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to Cambian, he was employed by NHP plc where he was Chief Operating Officer from 2001 to 2004.

He also founded two senior living businesses, Ultima Holdings and Palladium Holdings, which were sold to NHP plc in 2001.