New Bethanie Group CEO
The Bethanie Group has a new CEO following the resignation of its long-standing leader, Wayne Belcher.
The Bethanie Group has a new leader at its helm. Stephen Becsi has been appointed as the new acting CEO of the West Australian aged care provider, following the conclusion of employment of long-standing chief, Wayne Belcher in December 2010.
According to Bethanie, Mr Becsi’s step up from his position as former deputy CEO and Mr Belcher’s step down from the top job were both part of a long-term succession plan, established more than a year ago.
Although Mr Becsi’s new position was announced as only an ‘acting’ role, he confirmed that the temporary title was created for reasons of “good governance” and that he will be made permanent “in due course”.
“I’ve been a deputy for a decade or so and he was the CEO for 17 years,” said Mr Becsi.
“It was just a natural succession process.”
Mr Belcher confirmed the conclusion of his employment on his blog the same day he was to undergo spinal surgery for a longstanding but repairable condition on Tuesday 4 January.
“The surgery will correct a problem whose onset about two years ago has caused continuing and worsening, but now resolvable, pain,” wrote Mr Belcher on his blog.
“Mid-to-late February should see much of the recuperation finished and I hope by then to be able to more fully consider my return to ‘the office’.”
“I take this opportunity to wish each of you every success for this new 2011 year. Work hard at your plans and dreams – that’s the way a vision becomes reality. A picture of the future painted in the mind of the present! Go for it!
“I look forward to keeping up the commentary on ageing in Australia, the services provided, and the manner in which we deliver those services to seniors across this great nation.”
Mr Becsi said that Mr Belcher’s operation was “successful and he is now in recovery mode, and out and about”.
Mr Becsi returns to Bethanie after more than a year in a contract role as director for the Australian Navy’s strategic reform program. Previous to this stint, he worked at Bethanie as its deputy CEO and previously, as the director of Bethanie Housing.
As acting CEO, Mr Becsi plans to build on the successes of Mr Belcher and to continue the organisation’s “sustainable” expansion.
“I will focus on growth in retirement living, community care, aged care and community housing,” said Mr Becsi.
“I’ll be looking at all of those basic strains and work out how to continue good positive and sustainable growth in the current environment.
“That’s of course what my background is.”
Chairman of the Bethanie Group, Barry Honey, welcomed Mr Becsi to the role and extended his thanks to Mr Belcher for his contribution to the Bethanie Group.
