Leadership Transition: Henry Cole to Conclude Tenure on Global Medical REIT Board of Directors
Global Medical REIT Inc., a prominent net-lease real estate investment trust specializing in healthcare facilities, announced today a significant upcoming change to its leadership structure. Henry Cole, a foundational figure on the Company’s Board of Directors, has formally notified the Board of his intention to step down at the conclusion of his current term.
Mr. Cole’s departure will coincide with the Company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, marking the end of an era for the REIT’s governance team.
A Legacy of Governance and Growth
Henry Cole’s influence on Global Medical REIT extends back to the Company’s very beginning. Serving as an Independent Director since GMRE’s inception, Cole has been a pillar of stability and oversight as the firm navigated the complexities of the healthcare real estate market.
Throughout his decade-plus tenure, Cole occupied several of the most critical seats at the boardroom table. His leadership was versatile, serving the Board in various capacities including:
- Lead Independent Director: Acting as a vital bridge between management and independent oversight.
- Committee Chair: Leading both the Compensation Committee and the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Committee, where he helped shape the Company’s modern corporate responsibility framework.
- Committee Member: Providing his expertise to the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees, ensuring financial transparency and ethical leadership.
His “dynamic” approach to governance, as noted by his peers, played a central role in transforming GMRE from a nascent REIT into a recognized player on the New York Stock Exchange.
A Message of Gratitude from Leadership
The announcement was accompanied by a statement of appreciation from Jeffrey Busch, Chairman of the Board of Global Medical REIT. Busch highlighted the personal and professional impact Cole had on the organization during its formative and expansionary years.
“The Board would like to thank Henry for his strong leadership and his broad and meaningful contributions throughout the history of the Company,” said Busch. “Henry’s dynamism has been an important element in the Board’s critical role in guidance and oversight, shaping the growth and progress of the Company. We wish Henry the best as he continues his other pursuits.”
The Board noted that Cole’s departure is not the result of any disagreement with the Company but rather a natural transition at the end of his elected term.
The Road Ahead for GMRE
As Global Medical REIT prepares for the 2026 Annual Meeting, the focus will shift toward the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s search for a successor. The transition comes at a time when the REIT industry is increasingly focused on specialized healthcare assets—a sector Cole helped GMRE master.
By announcing the departure well in advance of the stockholders’ meeting, the Company ensures a period of “business as usual” while allowing the Board sufficient time to identify a candidate who can maintain the high standard of independent oversight Cole established.
About Global Medical REIT Inc.
Global Medical REIT Inc. (NYSE: GMRE) remains a leader in the net-lease medical real estate sector. The Company’s core strategy involves the acquisition of high-quality healthcare facilities, which are then leased to:
- Physician Groups: Local experts providing essential community care.
- Regional Healthcare Systems: Mid-tier networks with strong local footprints.
- National Healthcare Systems: Large-scale providers requiring institutional-grade facilities.
By focusing on facilities that are essential to the delivery of healthcare—such as surgical centers, specialty clinics, and outpatient facilities—GMRE provides investors with a portfolio designed for long-term stability and income.
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