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Our Executive Team

    • Master of Business Administration (MBA), Adelaide Graduate School of Business, University of Adelaide
    • Bachelor of Economics (BEc), University of Adelaide
    • Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA CAANZ)
    • Australian Restructuring, Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA)
    • Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD)

    Mark Watson

    • Interim Chief Executive
    • Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
    • M.B.A, Business Administration and Management
    • Master of Engineering

    Alan Johncock

    • Head of Property & Retirement Living
    • Bachelor of Business (Major in Marketing)

    Carolyn Dawkins

    • Head of Customer Experience
    • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
    • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
    • Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)

    Merrin Nancarrow

    • Head of Home and Community
  • Richard Laidlaw wearing glasses, a checked shirt, and a dark blazer, smiling slightly against a plain light grey background
    • Doctor of Education (EdD), University of New South Wales (UNSW)
    • Essentials of Finance, The Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM)
    • Churchill Fellow
    • Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute

    Richard Laidlaw

    • Head of People and Culture
    • Project Management, Business Administration
    • Grad Cert Business Administration

    Sharon Paulson

    • Head of Digital Workplace Services

Mark Watson

  • Mark Watson

    • Interim Chief Executive
    • Master of Business Administration (MBA), Adelaide Graduate School of Business, University of Adelaide
    • Bachelor of Economics (BEc), University of Adelaide
    • Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA CAANZ)
    • Australian Restructuring, Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA)
    • Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD)

    Mark is an experienced Chief Executive with more than 30 years in senior leadership positions.

    As Managing Director of boutique corporate advisory practice, SRG Partners, Mark supports organisations via interim Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer roles.

    A previous Corporate Finance Partner at KPMG, Mark has vast experience in corporate advisory, financial management and providing strategic advice and delivery for a variety of companies, from small businesses through to multi-national organisations.

    His expertise in the not-for-profit sector includes current positions as SA President of the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Non-Executive Director of Can:Do Group.

    Mark knows ECH well, having previously served as Interim CE in 2022. He is working closely with the ECH Board and Executive team to deliver the strategic vision and support ECH clients and residents to live confidently at home.

  • Alan Johncock

    • Head of Property & Retirement Living
    • Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
    • M.B.A, Business Administration and Management
    • Master of Engineering

    Alan has over 25 years’ experience across the residential aged care, commercial and industrial property industries.

    Prior to joining ECH, Alan held strategic, operational leadership and executive roles, where he was responsible for managing property assets, improving the quality of accommodation to meet the needs of its residents and leading residential and commercial developments. Throughout his career, he has had a strong focus on delivering the future of property with innovative, customer-centered solutions.

    Alan is passionate about building connected communities where people can feel a sense of belonging. He is looking forward to playing a key part in building spaces where people can live their lives well.

  • Carolyn Dawkins

    • Head of Customer Experience
    • Bachelor of Business (Major in Marketing)

    Carolyn has over 30 years experience in designing and delivering exceptional customer services spanning a range of industries and sectors. A dedicated champion of the ‘voice of the customer’ Carolyn is passionate about ensuring our clients and residents are front and centre in all that we do at ECH.

    Prior to joining ECH Carolyn spent 10 years in department store management leading Myer’s flagship store in Rundle Mall before branching out to run her own business delivering leadership and client service training to individuals and teams across both the public and private sectors.

    Carolyn joined ECH in 2012 and during her tenure has developed a deep understanding of the organisation and our client base. An enthusiastic innovator Carolyn is continually looking for ways to enhance and improve our products and services so that we can deliver an exceptional and consistent experience for our clients and residents across each and every touch point.

  • Merrin Nancarrow

    • Head of Home and Community
    • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
    • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
    • Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)

    Merrin brings a wealth of expertise in corporate and not for profit finance roles to ECH, having worked in the finance industry for nearly two decades.

    She has experience working in Big 4 accounting firms, ASX listed companies, and 10 years of experience working in not-for-profits, including as Chief Financial Officer at Autism SA, where she helped guide the organisation through significant sector changes and finance improvement programs.

    Merrin provides strategic and operational leadership across ECH’s in‑home and community portfolio, including domestic support, nursing and home care, allied health and respite so older South Australians can live independently with confidence.

     

  • Richard Laidlaw wearing glasses, a checked shirt, and a dark blazer, smiling slightly against a plain light grey background

    Richard Laidlaw

    • Head of People and Culture
    • Doctor of Education (EdD), University of New South Wales (UNSW)
    • Essentials of Finance, The Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM)
    • Churchill Fellow
    • Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute

    Richard is an accomplished People and Culture leader with a strong track record across Australia, Asia, and Europe.

    He excels at improving workforce engagement, performance, and productivity into structured plans and leading diverse teams to achieve sustainable business outcomes.

    Richard’s core capabilities include developing industry focused people strategies, managing business acquisitions and delivering large-scale change programs.

    As the new Head of People and Culture at ECH, Richard’s expertise in elevating workforce engagement and performance, coupled with his passion for helping to build growth, will be instrumental in driving a thriving culture and enhancing people strategies.

  • Sharon Paulson

    • Head of Digital Workplace Services
    • Project Management, Business Administration
    • Grad Cert Business Administration

    With a wealth of 25 years’ experience in the fields of education, aged care, and disability, Sharon possesses extensive knowledge in ICT.

    Sharon’s professional background includes notable positions such as Applications Services Manager at the Department of Education, Business Services Manager at Uniting Care Wesley Bowden, and Senior Manager ICT at AnglicareSA. Throughout her career, she has excelled in implementing digital transformations aimed at enhancing efficiency and client services. Moreover, Sharon has streamlined processes and improved employee experiences by leveraging digital tools.

    Sharon is driven by her commitment to improving customer service through the reduction of staff overheads. She is deeply passionate about harnessing the power of technology for the betterment of the community.

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