Date: 23 June 2015

On 3 July 2015 Lee-ann Irwin will step down as CEO of The Whiddon Group after 4 years in the role and more than 16 years with the organisation. Current CFO and DCEO, Chris Mamarelis, has been appointed as the new CEO. 

Earlier this month, The Whiddon Group’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of current Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chris Mamarelis, to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective 4 July 2015.

Mr Mamarelis’ appointment follows current CEO Lee-ann Irwin’s announcement of retirement in March this year after leading the not-for-profit aged care provider for more than four very successful years. Prior to leading the organisation as CEO, Ms Irwin was Whiddon’s Deputy CEO for more than 11 years.

Ms Irwin announced her retirement to the organisation and to colleagues on the NSW-ACT LASA Board and the Masonic Care Alliance in March, with the organisation commencing the process to appoint a successor in mid April.

Ms Irwin concludes her time with the organisation on 3 July and is looking forward to enjoying her retirement with her husband and spending time with family in Tasmania.

Lee-ann has led the organisation through a period of increasing industry change and rapid organisational growth and has done so expertly and always with the interest of those whom we care for in mind,” said Board Chairman, Mr John Couper.

It has been an honour to have the unique opportunity to help shape the organisation, to see our role within our communities across NSW grow and develop, and to be a part of industry reform through both the LASA NSW-ACT Board and the Masonic Care Alliance. I am confident that Whiddon will continue to grow and prosper under Chris’ leadership and vision and am pleased to be passing the leadership of our organisation to someone as passionate about the wellbeing of our clients, staff and communities as Chris,” Ms Irwin shared.
Mr Mamarelis said “I am genuinely excited about the future and this next stage of the Whiddon journey and feel privileged to lead an organisation with such a rich and proud history in providing care services across New South Wales. In a time of rapid change, both for our industry and organisation, Whiddon will continue to do what it does best- make a difference to the lives of those we care for, invest in our people and continue to innovate and build for the future”.

 

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