SwanCare soars to new heights with CEO announcement

Western Australian retirement living and aged care provider SwanCare has revealed its new Chief Executive Officer, appointing MercyCare Executive Director Phil Martin who brings 20 years of health and aged care experience to the organisation.

The not-for-profit operator was established in 1961 as Swan Cottage Homes, expanding from retirement living to home care and residential care over the last 60 years.

Mr Martin’s appointment coincides with an exciting period of growth and development for SwanCare as the organisation looks to expand its brand and strengthen its position in the sector.

SwanCare Group Chair Kim Hocking welcomed the knowledgeable executive, citing his passion for compassionate care as a leading trait. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Phil Martin as our new CEO. Phil’s extensive leadership experience, particularly in healthcare operations, governance, and strategic growth, aligns perfectly with SwanCare’s mission to improve the lives of those we serve,” Ms Hocking said.

“His passion for compassionate, person-centred care will help us continue to build on the outstanding foundation SwanCare has established, while driving positive change and innovation. 

“Under his leadership, we are confident that SwanCare will grow even stronger and continue to be a place where our community – residents, families, and staff – feel valued and supported.”

Starting as an ambulance paramedic with St John Ambulance in Western Australia, Mr Martin rose through the ranks during his 13-and-a-half-year tenure. He ultimately finished as the General Manager for its Metropolitan Ambulance Service and State Operations Centre.

A sideways career shift saw Mr Martin enter the aged care sector as MercyCare’s Residential Aged Care General Manager in 2019 before taking on its Executive Director – Aged Care Services role. 

The six-year stint coincided with one of aged care’s toughest periods, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, he will lead SwanCare through a new chapter. 

“I am truly honoured to join SwanCare and to contribute to the incredible work that has been done here for over six decades. I look forward to working together with all our teams to enhance SwanCare’s legacy of compassionate care,” Mr Martin said.

“My vision is to strengthen the organisation’s foundations through innovative ways that promote active, healthy ageing. My focus will be on building upon the strong foundation already in place, while exploring new opportunities to ensure SwanCare remains a vibrant, community-oriented place that both residents and staff can be proud of.”

Ms Hocking thanked Interim CEO Paul Grzelec for his dedication to the role over the past two months following Graham Francis’ retirement. 

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Paul for his exceptional leadership as Interim CEO. His dedication to ensuring business continuity has been invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of his commitment to SwanCare during this period of transition,” she said.

Mr Grzelec will return to his role as the General Manager Growth & Support Services. Mr Martin will commence as CEO on May 12.