Mike Baird announces his HammondCare CEO tenure will end in 2024

Mike Baird, HammondCare CEO and Aged Care Taskforce member, will step down from his position at Hammondcare in the second half of 2024.

The news broke on Thursday evening as HammondCare Board Chair, Kok Kong Chan, revealed the impending change.

Key points

• Mr Baird was appointed HammondCare CEO in April 2020, replacing stalwart leader Dr Stephen Judd
• Before joining the aged care sector, Mr Baird was the 44th Premier of New South Wales from 2014 to 2017, and the Chief Customer Officer at NAB from 2017 to 2020
• The highly respected aged care leader is also a member of the Aged Care Taskforce

Mr Baird’s departure is a surprise announcement this late in the year, although some industry insiders have been questioning whether the experienced executive would be a highly sought-after prospect for other vacant CEO positions in 2024.

He said he felt great sadness in stepping aside after just four years in the role (by the time he departs in 2024) but a period of deep reflection indicated it was the right time.

“Leading HammondCare has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I will never forget or cease to advocate for our frontline heroes across aged care and health.

“Supporting wage increases for aged care workers, being part of HammondCare growing by more than 50% since 2019, and contributing to the Aged Care Task Force are some key achievements.

“But mostly I am proud to lead a united team absolutely passionate and dedicated to providing exceptional care for valued older Australians, especially the most vulnerable.”

HammondCare has been one of the most active aged care providers in recent years. In June, it co-founded the Household Model International Consortium to promote the small household living model. 

Meanwhile, its ongoing work with Dementia Support Australia has resulted in the establishment of several dementia and respite cottages and increased support for older people living with dementia. 

Mr Chan expressed his gratitude towards Mr Baird, thanking him for his contributions. And although it is a major change, he said the timing allows for a thorough recruitment and transition process. Recruitment of a new CEO has already begun with Mr Chan confirming they are in the early stages of seeking candidates. 

“I believe it’s good timing for Mike to hand over something beautiful,” Mr Chan said.

“He has worked extremely hard with talented and dedicated leaders and teams to position us for a strong and hopeful future. All the while, leading through a Royal Commission, unprecedented reform and of course, a global pandemic.”

“We are very confident with the direction of HammondCare across its services, especially in the areas of dementia care, palliative care and home care. We believe this represents an outstanding opportunity for a new CEO, dedicated to our mission, to see further growth into unmet need.”

As for Mr Baird’s involvement with the Aged Care Taskforce, they have conducted their last meeting with the final report on finding solutions to aged care funding to be released before the end of December. 

It’s unlikely Mr Baird will slow down in the lead-up to his departure, too, stating that there’s “Still more to do at HammondCare next year”.