Caroline Gardiner
Bosbury,Herefordshire
Summary
Entrepreneurial healthcare leader with over 20 years' experience leading business growth, operational transformation, and strategic development across the occupational health and wider healthcare sectors. Founder of Soma Health, successfully building and growing the business before leading its sale in 2022 and transitioning into the role of Managing Director for the acquiring organisation. Proven track record in P&L management, Annual Operating Plan (AOP), delivery, mergers and acquisitions, post-merger integration, and securing national contracts.
Experienced in leading organisational change, driving commercial performance, and engaging effectively with investors, government stakeholders, and board-level audiences. Most recently providing consultancy support on healthcare acquisitions, advising on valuation, commercial and operation due diligence, and growth strategy. Recognised for combining strategic vision with operational excellence to deliver sustainable growth and long-term business value, while balancing commercial objectives with a strong focus on positive customer outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Business Consultant
Freelance
London/Worcester
2025.03 - Current
- Advising on healthcare sector acquisitions and growth opportunities.
- Conducting commercial, operational and strategic due diligence for potential acquisitions.
- Supporting valuation assessments and investment decision-making processes.
- Evaluated company performance using key metrics and prepared detailed reports.
- Analysed financial data to identify areas of potential cost reduction or revenue generation.
- Conducted in-depth business analyses to identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Providing strategic insight to strengthen post-acquisition and business performance.
Managing Director
Spire O.H. (part of Spire Healthcare Plc)
London/Worcester
2022.04 - 2025.02
- Appointed Managing Director following Spire Healthcare's acquisition of Soma Health.
- Led the strategic direction and operational of Spire Occupational Health, driving sustainable growth, clinical and service excellence.
- Accountable for full P&L performance, development and delivery of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), budget management, forecasting and achievement of financial targets.
- Led the successful integration and merger of two occupational health businesses, aligning people, processes, systems and service delivery models to create a unified national operation while maintaining client retention and service quality.
- Secured the organisation's largest client contract, John Lewis Partnership, significantly strengthening market position and revenue growth.
- Represented Spire Occupational Health as a key presenter at Spire Healthcare's Plc, Capital Markets Day communicating business strategy and performance to investors and stakeholders.
- Collaborated with government stakeholders and industry leaders, contributing to policy discussions and the development of a white paper focused on the health needs of the working population.
- Drove operational, financial and clinical excellence initiatives, enhancing service delivery, customer satisfaction and organisational performance.
Managing Director
Soma Health Ltd
Worcester
2004.05 - 2022.03
- Founded and built a successful occupational health and wellbeing business.
- Developed and executed the company's growth strategy, establishing a strong reputation for service excellence and client retention.
- Led all aspects of business operations, commercial development, client relationships and service delivery.
- Managed the financial performance of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and delivery against annual operating plans.
- Successfully negotiated and completed the sale of the business to DCG, now Spire Healthcare Plc.
- Transitioned into the role of Managing Director of Spire Occupational Health following the acquisition, ensuring business continuity, integration and continued growth.
Education
BA (Hons) - Business Studies
University of South Wales
Higher National Diploma - Occupational Health
Warwick University
GCSEs -
Queen Elizabeth School
Skills
- Strategic Leadership and Business Growth
- Mergers, Acquisitions and Post- Merger Integration
- P&L Management, Budgeting and AOP Delivery
- Commercial and Operational Due Diligence
- Healthcare Strategy and Transformation
- Stakeholder Engagement and Influencing
- Business Development and Contract Negotiation
- Operational Excellence and Change Management
Affiliations
- Fitness and endurance training, including weight training and running; currently training for a half marathon. Also enjoy, theatre, music, charity fundraising and promoting health and being initiatives.
Timeline
Business Consultant
Freelance
2025.03 - Current
Managing Director
Spire O.H. (part of Spire Healthcare Plc)
2022.04 - 2025.02
Managing Director
Soma Health Ltd
2004.05 - 2022.03
BA (Hons) - Business Studies
University of South Wales
Higher National Diploma - Occupational Health
Warwick University
GCSEs -
Queen Elizabeth School