Ford revealed that she was stepping down from the OPLC yesterday following the decision from Mayor of London Boris Johnson to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) that will be responsible for the regeneration legacy from London 2012.

Ford will be the OPLC's interim chair until the conclusion of the London 2012 Games, when she will step down from the role to become chair of Barchester Healthcare, replacing Denis Brosnan.

Ford, who is also the chair of May Gurney Integrated Services Plc and a non-executive director of Grainger Plc, took the role after admitting that she is "passionate about the importance of high quality care".

The UK-wide care provider supports more than 10,000 people at more than 200 locations.

Employing more than 14,000 staff, Barchester Healthcare was the only care provider listed in the Sunday Times Top 25 Big Companies To Work For in 2010

Mike Parsons, founder and chief executive of Barchester Healthcare is excited about getting Ford to take up the position.

"Baroness Ford brings to the role extensive commercial instinct, coupled with a wealth of experience of working within the health sector," he said.

"I have every faith that this appointment will ensure that we continue to lead the way in creating high quality healthcare environments and delivering a service that's second to none.

"With excellent business acumen, and a proven track record in leading businesses that provide essential social and public services, I'm pleased that Barchester will continue to be chaired by someone with such a proven track record".

Ford, who has already started her new role, was praised by Brosnan.

"During my period as chairman we have achieved a tremendous amount, now employing almost 15,000 people to care for more than 10,000 residents," he said.

"As we enter 2012 as the leading high quality care provider, I am proud to welcome Baroness Ford to this wonderful company."

Ford, who previously worked at the Royal Bank of Canada as managing director in the bank's Global Infrastructure Group, decided to step down from the OPLC as she admitted that she doesn't have the time to head the new MDC.

"The next phase of the legacy work, including major transformation plans to the Park, are critical and will require a great deal of attention," she said.

"I have decided therefore that I cannot continue to give the substantial time required for the role so after the Games would seem a natural point to make the change."

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