Resthaven Appoints New CEO
Earlier this year, long serving Resthaven Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hearn, announced his intention to retire from the CEO role.
The Resthaven Board undertook a national recruitment process to find a suitable candidate to take on this key leadership position that Richard has held for 26 years, with more than 34 years in total at Resthaven.
On Tuesday 21 April, the Board President, Mark Porter, said, ‘On behalf of the Resthaven Board, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Birbeck as the new Resthaven Chief Executive Officer.
‘Darren is currently Resthaven’s Executive Manager Governance and Corporate Services. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in Business Administration. He is a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants Association of Australia and achieved an Order of Merit in the Company Directors Course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
‘Previously, Darren worked in local government as General Manager of Corporate Services with the City of Charles Sturt, and prior to this was General Manager of Corporate Services with ECH (formerly Elderly Citizens Homes) in South Australia.
‘He is humble yet quietly assertive, understands Resthaven’s culture and values, and is committed to the ongoing provision of high-quality aged care services wherever Resthaven’s reach and service extends.
‘We welcome Darren to his new role and will support and encourage him in leading our wonderful community in these extraordinary times.’
Darren responded, saying, ‘I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of Richard Hearn, who has provided inspired leadership over the course of his outstanding career. He is a man I both admire and respect.
‘It has been a privilege to work with Resthaven in both a board and an executive capacity over the past four years. There is something special about Resthaven.
‘I also look forward to working with the Board to ensure that Resthaven continues to have such a positive influence on the lives of the people we serve.
‘I would like to acknowledge Resthaven’s dedicated and hardworking staff and volunteers, who make such a valued contribution to people’s lives every day. I also feel extremely fortunate to work with such a talented and passionate executive and leadership team.’
‘The road ahead is a challenging one, but we have the opportunity to implement the positive reforms and innovative models of care and services needed to redefine the future of ageing in this country.
‘Resthaven is well placed to take advantage of these opportunities due to its strong financial position and commitment to providing quality care and support for older people and their carers.
‘With a proud history spanning 85 years, it is important to honour this legacy while adapting and evolving to ensure that we are in the best position to meet future challenges.’
Richard will continue in the position of CEO until Friday 29 May 2020, to provide a smooth transition period and opportunity for a hand over with minimal disruption to day to day operations. Darren commences in the role of Resthaven Chief Executive Officer on Monday 1 June 2020.
Richard said, ‘I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of the valued relationships and kindred spirit of the many individuals I have had the good fortune to work with over time and I wish Darren all the best and trust his experience will be as fulfilling as mine in this wonderful organisation – Resthaven.’