Abbeyfield New Zealand Executive Officer, Susan Jenkins, has announced her retirement and will step down from the role in August.

Abbeyfield New Zealand board chairman, Simon Hayes, said the board was sorry Susan was leaving, but supported her decision to retire, and was very grateful for the contribution she had made since joining Abbeyfield New Zealand nearly 9 years ago.

“Susan’s vision and insight have helped shape and strengthen our organisation, making sure it is in a sound position now and for the immediate future,” he said.

“On behalf of the ‘Abbeyfield family’, I would like to thank her for her empathy, passion and dedication, which has ensured the committees managing our Abbeyfield houses are well supported. Her commitment has meant that many older people have been provided with a home where they can enjoy the companionship of others. Her support and guidance to the boards of both Abbeyfield New Zealand and Abbeyfield Properties Ltd has been outstanding.”

The board would be recruiting a successor to Susan soon and Susan would remain in the role until August so that a handover could take place, he added.

“In the meantime our team of staff, with the support of our boards, will be working to ensure there is minimal disruption during the transition period. Abbeyfield is in a strong position and all of us are committed to seeing it continue to grow and provide more older people with a place they can call home.”