Second generation takes the reins at leading Scottish care provider

Scottish care provider, Meallmore, has announced its new senior team with Cillian Hennessey taking over the reins from his father as managing director.

Cillian (pictured) takes over the top job from Gerry Hennessey, who has retired from his role after 35 years. Gerry and his brother Aidan were founding directors when Meallmore was established in 1987 and while Cillian will oversee the running of operations, Gerry will remain involved as chairman.

Cillian joined the family business in 2010 as area manager after working as an investment surveyor. He became the company’s commercial director in 2017, where he was involved in determining the company’s growth and helping guide its operations and future development.

Cillian will be supported by the existing executive team and directors group. Rachel Gothard has been appointed to the newly created role of People & Culture Director and Hazel O’Rourke was promoted to Quality Director. Together, they will continue to support Meallmore’s Operations Director, Mary Preston; Regional Director, Carol-Anne Foote; Property Director, Michael Gillespie; and Finance Director, Gavin MacKenzie.

Outgoing managing director of Meallmore, Gerry Hennessey comments: “It was always my hope that the business would be passed onto the next generation, so for Cillian to be taking the baton is an extremely proud moment for me. The business is a very different one to the one I started running in 1987 with my brother, as we’ve gone from operating one care home to 26. The transition from one generation to the next has been well considered and I’m confident that Cillian will do an excellent job in his new role.”

Cillian Hennessey says: “Since being founded over 35 years ago by my father and uncle, Meallmore has secured the reputation of being one of Scotland’s leading care providers and I’m proud to be part of such a reputable company which offers a great place to live for our residents, and a great place to work for our colleagues.

“I’ve spent the last 12 years working in the family-run business and I’m ready to take Meallmore into the next generation and put my stamp on it, which is a really exciting prospect. That being said, nothing will change in terms of Meallmore’s ambitions or principles, which is to provide excellent personalised care and support, delivered by trained and professional caring teams in quality and safe environments.”

Since opening its first care home, Daviot Care Home (formally known as Meallmore Lodge) in Inverness in 1987, Meallmore has grown to a network of 26 care homes across Scotland offering care for the elderly and adults with mental health issues.

Picture (c) Meallmore.