Jan 18 (Reuters) - UK's Home REIT, a housing provider for the homeless, appointed Michael O'Donnell as chair on Thursday, succeeding Lynne Fennah who would step down, as the company battles investor pressure over its lacklustre performance.

"The remaining members of the board understand that shareholders would like to see a refresh of the board and so they will step down on publication of the company's financial results," Home REIT said in a statement.

(Reporting by Eva Mathews in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich)