Friday, September 25, 2026

RSL LifeCare appoints Drew Pearce as Chief Executive Officer

RSL LifeCare appoints Drew Pearce as Chief Executive Officer following a period as interim, after a formal recruitment process.

Published on 14 April 2026

Drew Pearce as Chief Executive Officer RSL LifeCare

RSL LifeCare has appointed Drew Pearce as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Pearce has been serving as Interim CEO since January 2026 and previously spent six years as the organisation’s Chief Financial Officer.

The appointment follows what the Board described as a rigorous recruitment process, with Pearce selected to lead the organisation into its next phase.

In a statement, the Board said Pearce brings deep knowledge of RSL LifeCare, alongside strong operational and financial leadership, and a clear commitment to the organisation’s purpose.

During the selection process, Pearce outlined a vision focused on strengthening external partnerships, supporting veterans and senior residents, and building strong teams through transparent leadership.

Chair Sangeeta Venkatesan said the Board was confident in the appointment.

“Drew has a deep understanding of RSL LifeCare and a strong commitment to our purpose. The Board was impressed by his focus on partnership, his care for veterans and seniors, and his ability to lead with clarity through a period of change.”

The Board will now work with Pearce to finalise executive arrangements following his transition from CFO to CEO, with an update on the organisation’s finance leadership to be provided in due course.

SEP 18 – 24, 2026

• aged care workforce

Stuck in hospital, waiting at home: the reform gap

Michael Foenander, Consultant Grandmothers with no one to talk to. Fathers denied care for months. Michael Foenander believes Australia’s aged care crisis isn’t a workforce story: it’s a governance failure. And it’s one costing providers real money and reputation.

• reform

Rationed care isn’t rights-based care, Uniting NSW.ACT tells Senate

Marion Piper, Contributor Some older Australians assessed as eligible for Support at Home are going without care because the co-contributions are out of reach. See what Uniting NSW.ACT’s Saviour Buhagiar recently told the Senate inquiry about the highly-criticised program.

• dementia

Time over tasks: inside Whiddon’s dementia care pilot

Marion Piper, Contributor A resident who pushed everyone away now hugs staff. A man who slept all day now talks about his fears. Whiddon’s RBC Enrich pilot shows what emotional connection does in dementia care, and what leaders must change to sustain it.

Get the good stuff, weekly.

Trends, tactics, no fluff every Wednesday.