MCLEAN, Va.—Sunrise Senior Living, its board of managers and its owners announced that Chris Winkle will depart the organization after serving as CEO for the past six-and-a-half years. Sunrise’s board will immediately commence a search for the company’s next CEO, and Winkle will assist the board during this transition.
“I appreciate Chris’ many contributions at Sunrise and especially for his leadership throughout these last several months during this most trying time of the pandemic,” said Jeff Lozon, chairman of the board. “During his tenure as CEO, he has been instrumental in reinvigorating our growth strategy, and helped shape Sunrise as a leader of the senior living industry.”
“This is certainly a bittersweet announcement, but the board and I have mutually agreed the time is right for me to transition from this role,” added Winkle. “I have never had more pride in an organization than I have this past year, seeing Sunrise team members respond with such grace and passion as they have relentlessly cared for our residents through the COVID-19 pandemic. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to lead our great team.”
“On behalf of Revera, I would like to express our thanks to Chris for his leadership at Sunrise over the past six-and-a-half years of growth, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” added Tom Wellner, CEO of Revera Inc., Sunrise’s majority owner. “We look forward to continuing to support the Sunrise team, its residents and the company’s personalized care platform as it continues to champion the quality of life for all seniors.”
Winkle joined Sunrise as chief operating officer in 2013 and was named CEO in 2014. Under his leadership, in addition to achieving strong community performance and customer engagement, Sunrise restarted its development pipeline, completed several large acquisitions, introduced industry-leading technology to enhance resident care delivery, and invested in ancillary organizations as additional revenue growth streams. Winkle serves as secretary of Argentum’s board of directors and on the board of the American Seniors Housing Association.
The board of managers has engaged Ferguson Partners in their executive search for Winkle’s replacement.
About Sunrise Senior Living
Sunrise Senior Living, a McLean, Va.-based company employs approximately 32,000 people. As of September 1, 2020, Sunrise operated 329 communities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, including 21 Gracewell Healthcare communities, with a total unit capacity of approximately 29,500. Sunrise offers a full range of personalized senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss, as well as nursing and rehabilitative services. To learn more about Sunrise, please visit SunriseSeniorLiving.com.
