Ex-care worker becomes managing director of Sunrise Senior Living UK

Amanda Scott, who began her career at the age of 16 working as a care assistant, has been appointed as managing director of Sunrise Senior Living UK.

The company which has its headquarters in America, runs 27 care homes which it calls ‘communities’ in England and Wales.

Ms Scott takes over from Guy Geller, who is moving to take on a global growth role for Sunrise.

She said: “I am really looking forward to tackling this new challenge. Over the last two and a half years Guy and I have worked very closely together to build an experienced, talented care and quality team at Sunrise and I am honoured to be taking on the leadership.

“I very much share Guy and Sunrise’s commitment to ensuring that high levels of care and support are provided for all residents, especially those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss.

“On behalf of the organisation we would like to thank Guy for everything he has done, to transform Sunrise in the UK. The ethos that Guy has instilled is what sets Sunrise apart, and I am determined to nurture and develop that further in my new role.”

Ms Scott, who was previously senior clinical and quality director at Sunrise Senior Living UK, has over three decades of front line experience, working both in care homes and in hospitals as a nurse.

She has effectively managed care homes and advanced and led clinical governance strategies for care home groups.

Since joining Sunrise in 2011, she has focussed on improving the quality of life for older people by ensuring care is evidence-based and derived from recognised best practice.

Mr Geller welcomed the appointment saying her “background as a care practitioner will make her a truly unique leader in the sector”.

He added: “Since day one, she has been a strong mentor for all our Sunrise team and has worked tirelessly to enhance the care we provide for residents. This is a key appointment for Sunrise and demonstrates our absolute commitment to putting fantastic care front and centre of our organisation.”

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said he looked forward to working with Ms Scott to “improve the lives of those living with dementia” and added: “Our partnership with Sunrise has been a great success and we’re hugely grateful for their ongoing support. Their funding has helped support The Alzheimer's Society's Research Network, which enables the charity to involve people affected by dementia in a key part of its work”.