Another CEO steps down
Late last week another major industry provider announced the departure of its chief executive.
The latest in a string of aged care CEO departures, RDNS in Victoria has announced the resignation of its CEO Dan Romanis after 17 years.
Mr Romanis took over the reins at RDNS in 1994, and since then has overseen growth from $40 million to $110 million in revenue for the company, which is Australia’s largest and oldest home nursing and healthcare organisation, according to a statement made late last week.
Chairman of the RDNS board, Paul Montgomery, acknowledged Mr Romanis’ strong leadership and years of service to the organisation.
“The prominent position RDNS enjoys today as the leading provider of nursing-led homecare services in Australia is, without doubt, due to Dan’s leadership,” Mr Montgomery said.
“Dan leaves behind an organisation that has been greatly strengthened under his direction, with revenue almost tripling and the number of client care visits more than doubled – to 1.8 million in the last year.
“Our staff and stakeholders have been witness to his focused guidance. Dan has always placed the importance of quality client-focused care at the centre of all RDNS does, while introducing many new and innovative business practices.”
Board Expectations
According to one industry insider, however, Mr Romanis’ decison to resign was not entirely his own, and is the lastest example of a chief executive falling out of step with the board’s expectations.
“There was a sense that Mr Romanis had been in the position there for a long time and that fresh leadership was needed, especially to progress the organisation’s expansion plans into New Zealand and New South Wales,” said the commentator who asked not to be identified.
“I think there was a sense that the process of change and expansion was not proceeding fast enough or as fast as the board would like. It has become a much more competitive environment, and it seems the Board – and Boards everywhere – are looking for new, energetic leadership to keep them on top of the game.”
Speaking of his departure, Mr Romanis expressed pride in his achievements and the enjoyment of working with the team.
“We have successfully combined the continued development of quality, compassionate and caring services with innovation and business growth,” he said.
“Since I started as CEO, we have grown enormously and I am very proud to have introduced mobile computing for field staff; developed state-of-the-art information systems; strengthened our leading clinical practice and research; and expanded into regional Victoria, New South Wales and New Zealand.
“But my greatest satisfaction has come from working with an incredibly talented and dedicated group of RDNS staff – people who work hard and deliver; people with drive and enthusiasm who collectively deliver an excellence in client care which is world class.”
Mr Romanis’ resignation takes effect from July 1st. He will take a short break before considering new opportunities in his career, and the process for his replacement will commence shortly.
See the related article: The case of the disappearing CEOs
When you look at the average length of stay of CEOs internationally, 5 years seems to be what organisations expect to get out of their bosses these days. Anymore is a bonus if the CEO can keep up the frantic pace of demand for change, innovation and return on investment that most progressive organisations are looking for. I think Dan Romanis’s 17 years at the helm is testement to his commitment, tenacity and drive and he deserves a well earned breather.