New Zealand village operator Ryman Healthcare has gone outside the sector in search of new talent, appointing experienced retail executive Richard Umbers as Group Chief Executive Officer after an extensive global search.
Mr Umbers, who has worked for leading retail, ecommerce and logistics businesses in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland and Germany, was most recently Divisional Director of buying at supermarket retailer Kaufland in Germany, and CEO and Managing Director at retailer Myer in Australia. He also held senior roles at Woolworths in Australia and was Managing Director of Progressive Enterprises Ltd in New Zealand, now trading as Countdown supermarkets. Earlier in his career he held senior leadership roles with Australia Post and Aldi in Europe.
Mr Umbers will join Ryman in October, taking over from Gordon MacLeod, who signalled his intention to stand down earlier this year.
Currently based in Melbourne, he will move to Christchurch in New Zealand for the role.
Ryman, New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator, pioneered its continuum of care model in Australasia and opened its first village in Melbourne in 2014. It has become the fastest growing newcomer in the Victorian market, with five operational villages and another seven in the development pipeline.
