Russell Bricknell leaves Baptistcare for Juniper

Western Australian aged care and retirement living provider Juniper has appointed now former Baptistcare WA CEO Russell Bricknell as its new chief executive officer from December. 

Juniper made the announcement on Friday. On Monday Baptistcare WA, where Mr Bricknell had been CEO since 2017, announced the appointment of joint acting CEOs, effective immediately.

Prior to Baptsticare WA, Mr Bricknell was global chief executive of the Aged Care Channel Australia for five and a half years, overseeing operations in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the UK.

Mr Bricknell was also chief operating officer of Australian Home Care, a provider of home-based care for people with disabilities in NSW and Victoria, a general manager of Baptistcare NSW and ACT, and executive director of Churches of Christ Care in Queensland.

“In addition to his extensive senior management experience with large and complex not-for-profit organisations, including with faith-based entities, Mr Bricknell brings highly relevant experience having worked in government and commercial sectors in Australia and overseas,” said Juniper board chair Maree Arnason. 

Mr Bricknell has led major organisational transformation and change management in aged care, “essential pre-requisites for leading Juniper through major reforms that are impacting the Australian aged care sector,” added Ms Arnason.

Mr Bricknell holds degrees in education and science, together with a Master of Business Administration. He is a graduate and fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. 

“I am delighted to be joining Juniper and its team of people committed to caring for older people across the state,” said Mr Bricknell. “Together with the team, I look forward to making a real difference in the lives of people we care for and support.”

Mr Bricknell commences in his new role with Juniper on 2 December 2022. He replaces Chris Hall who announced his retirement in April this year.

Meanwhile at Baptistcare WA, the board has commenced the search for a new CEO and appointed chief operating officer Amanda Vivian and chief finance officer Mark Kolinac joint acting CEOs until it does.

Baptistcare board chair Tim Woodall said Mr Bricknell oversaw many major initiatives including a new cultural values program and several acquisitions.

“Russell leaves Baptistcare in a strong position and we wish him well in his future endeavours.” He said the organisation looked forward to bringing a new CEO onboard to continue the organisation’s strategic evolution as a leader in the WA aged care sector.

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