Estia Health Chairman Dr. Gary Weiss announced that Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ian Thorley would succeed Norah Barlow as Estia's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director when Norah steps down in November 2018, having advised the Board of her wish to return to New Zealand after successfully leading the company through a period of significant change and onto a path of sustainable growth. Dr. Weiss also announced the appointment of highly experienced aged care executive Sean Bilton to the role of Estia Deputy CEO and COO, adding to the depth and expertise of the executive team. Sean is currently the Acting Managing Director of Opal Aged Care.

Mrs. Barlow had made a significant contribution to Estia since joining the company as an independent Non-Executive Director in November 2014, but particularly since her appointment as Managing Director and CEO in September 2016.