ECH, South Australia’s largest retirement living and in-home care provider, has appointed Merrin Nancarrow as its new Head of Home and Community, following a successful period acting in the executive role.
Ms Nancarrow will lead ECH’s home and community services portfolio, which supports older people to live confidently and independently at home through services including domestic support, nursing and home care, allied health and respite care.
She joined ECH in 2022 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 20 years of experience in finance and governance across the Big Four accounting firms, ASX-listed companies, and the not-for-profit sector, including Autism SA.
ECH Interim Chief Executive Mark Watson said the appointment recognised Ms Nancarrow’s people-centred leadership style, deep sector knowledge and strong accountability to ECH’s more than 7,000 clients and residents.
“Merrin is an empathic, grounded leader and brings to the role an invaluable and rare combination of financial acumen, governance expertise and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference to the lives of older South Australians,” Mr Watson said.
“Since joining ECH, Merrin has guided the organisation through significant sector change in a highly regulated environment. She has helped position ECH as a trusted partner for South Australians wanting to live at home and stay connected to their community as they age, while also strengthening our long-term sustainability.”
Ms Nancarrow’s appointment comes as the Australian Government rolls out the new Support at Home program, which replaces Home Care Packages.
“It’s imperative we continue to provide care that is both high-quality and compliant, while meeting the individual needs of our clients and residents,” Ms Nancarrow said.
“Now more than ever, South Australians want to live confidently and independently as they grow older. I am proud to lead ECH’s experienced and committed team, who come to work every day to help older South Australians get more out of life.”
Merrin Nancarrow
A Chartered Accountant and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Ms Nancarrow has previously held senior roles with Autism SA, Oxfam Australia, Adbri, Santos and PwC Australia.
Her appointment is effective immediately and coincides with the commencement of Alan Morrison as ECH’s new Chief Executive. Announced in October last year, Mr Morrison joins ECH following his most recent roles as Chief Executive Officer of Burnside Hospital and Deputy Chair of HESTA Super Fund.
