RSL LifeCare searching for replacement CEO

Aged care provider RSL LifeCare is searching for a new chief executive officer following last month’s resignation of Laurie Leigh after almost three years at the helm.

RSL LifeCare provides residential and home aged care services in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Ms Leigh joined the organisation in 2018 to strengthen its corporate governance during the year-long Bergin Inquiry, which investigated fraudulent allegations of the Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW), RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution, and RSL LifeCare.

Under her leadership, retirement living and residential aged care services grew “significantly” and the number of home care clients doubled in two years, RSL LifeCare said in a statement.

She tendered her resignation and left the organisation in mid-April. RSL LifeCare has engaged an executive firm to find her replacement and appointed chief financial officer Drew Pearce as acting CEO in the interim.

RSL LifeCare chairman Andrew Condon said Ms Leigh worked tirelessly to rebuild and consolidate the organisation since the Bergin Inquiry ended.

“This has not been a simple task given the complex nature of aged care and veteran services, which were further compounded by a range of external factors that included bush fires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, and likely changes and impacts from the aged care royal commission,” he said.

Ms Leigh thanked the board for the opportunity to lead the organisation and the entire team for their helping in achieving the organisation’s strong position.

“I am proud of our magnificent staff across the organisation, in particular those who so professionally cared for our residents during COVID and the bushfires. They have been absolutely exemplary,” Ms Leigh said.

Main image: Laurie Leigh.

Have we missed an appointment or resignation? Send us the details and an image to editorial@australianageingagenda.com.au