Filling big shoes
The RSL Care board of directors has announced a reshuffle, including a new interim CEO to replace Ross Smith, while UnitingCare Ageing has found a director to replace Gillian McFee.
Above: Interim CEO of RSL Care, Peter Emery.
The board of RSL Care has announced the appointment of Peter Emery as interim CEO, following the recent departure of long-standing CEO, Ross Smith.
Robert Lippiatt has been elected board chairman, replacing Sam Komarowski, while Russell Pearce is now deputy chairman of the board and one director, Ann Martin, has resigned.
In a statement released today, Mr Lippiatt said the changes in leadership “mark a new era full of promise as RSL Care continues to strengthen its position as a national leader in the emerging national health, aged and community care sector”.
“For the past eighteen months we have worked on a strategic review which provides an ideal opportunity to build on our strengths as we move through this period of significant change in our operating environment,” Mr Lippiatt continued.
“As a senior corporate advisor to the RSL Care board since April 2011, Peter brings with him a deep understanding of the business, including our recent strategic review and our enhanced customer-focused approach.
“Peter’s successful track record of leading organisations through transitions combined with an acute awareness of the changing landscape in health, aged and community care makes him eminently qualified to lead RSL Care during this transition, which presents exciting opportunities for both our customers and staff.”
Above: Chair of the RSL Care board, Robert Lippiatt.
Mr Lippiatt said the board had worked closely with both the outgoing CEO, Mr Smith, and his replacement during October to ensure a smooth transition, and thanked all those who have stepped back for their years of service.
“Having had the privilege of working with Ross, Sam and Ann for the past four and a half years in my capacity as director and for the last twelve months as deputy chairman, I would like to thank all three for their combined service of almost forty years, and for their respective roles in guiding RSL Care through a very successful period,” he said in a statement.
RSL Care’s board is now conducting “an extensive national search” to select a permanent CEO to lead RSL Care.
Also in October, UnitingCare NSW.ACT has appointed Steve Teulan as the new director of UnitingCare Ageing, replacing Gillian McFee, who led the organisation since 2003. David Makinson was acting in the role as interim director since Ms McFee stepped down in March this year.
Mr Teulan was appointed director of corporate finance and strategy at UnitingCare Ageing in May 2009, and returns to lead the organisation after a stint as national director of aged care and retirement services for Catholic health provider the Little Company of Mary.
