Stephen has transformed Bolton Clarke, an amalgamation of RSL Care Queensland and the Royal District Nursing Service Victoria (RDNS), into Australia's largest independent Not For Profit provider of aged care during his 14-year tenure.
He has led the organisation for one-tenth of its remarkable 140-year history, overseeing its growth to be one of the top five retirement village operators in the country with 43 villages after acquiring RCA Villages' Martha Bay, Casey Grange, Martha Cove and Armstrong Green villages in Victoria in September.
Under his leadership, Bolton Clarke also acquired aged care provider Allity, then Australia’s sixth largest residential aged care provider in December 2021 to become the largest Not For Profit aged care provider in Australia. The group had previously purchased Acacia in November 2021.
The operator added to the portfolio in February 2023, buying McKenzie Aged Care's nine residential aged care homes and two retirement villages.
“The right time for new CEO leadership”
“This year, we marked a significant milestone bringing our 16,000 strong team and organisation together under the Bolton Clarke name as Australia’s Heart of Positive Ageing,” Stephen said.
“This achievement is the culmination of a decade of strategic growth to strengthen our connected care and living options, creating a truly national aged care platform that is well-positioned to meet the needs of a growing ageing population.
“With a new Aged Care Act providing more certainty for the sector, we are well-equipped for the future.
“It’s a privilege to have been able to deliver positive change and make a difference for our residents and clients. Having served as Group CEO for 14 years, I now believe it is the right time for new CEO leadership to take the organisation forward into its next stage.”
Bolton Clarke Chairman Tony Crawford said: “Steve has been a driving force behind our vision for a fully integrated care and services model supporting more people in more places.
“Under his direction, the Group has grown to support 130,000 people across the community at home and in our 43 retirement villages and 88 residential care homes.
Stephen will retire in 2025 as part of a planned succession, with recruitment for a new leader underway.
