Our Leaders
We are fortunate to have the experience and expertise of our founders available to us. Their guidance is complemented by a diverse range of skills and knowledge from a highly professional team. Together, they help ensure the success of our organisation. And help ensure our people get the support they need, when they need it.
Graham Hodges
Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director
Graham has been a Non-Executive Director since August 2017 and was appointed Chair on 1 July 2018.
He has extensive international experience in the financial services industry with a career spanning more than 40 years. He commenced his career in Commonwealth Treasury, Canberra, where he worked for approximately 10 years before being seconded to the International Monetary Fund in Washington for several years. Graham built an executive career at the Australian and New Zealand Banking Group
Limited and was formerly the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, ANZ Banking Group Ltd.
Graham is currently a Non-Executive Director Assemble Holdco 1 Pty Ltd (previously Assemble Communities Pty Ltd) and Non-Executive Director of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited and ANZ BH Pty Ltd. He was previously Chair of ANZ SAM Board (Special Assets Management), Esanda, and ANZ Wealth, a Director of AmBank Holdings Berhad and a member of the Australian Government’s Aged Care Financing Authority.
Graham holds a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) degree.
Dr Linda Mellors
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Linda is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Regis Healthcare. Linda has been a chief executive for almost 15 years with broad experience in health and aged care, including substantial growth and transformation execution.
During the year, Linda was reappointed as Director of Ageing Australia and is a member of the Finance and Risk Management Committee. Linda is also a Board Director of Mercy Community Services Ltd and its subsidiaries including Mackillop Family Services, and a member of the Governance Committee.
Linda was formerly Chair of the Aged Care Reform Network, Chair of the Aged Care Guild, Chair of the North Eastern Metropolitan Integrated Cancer Service, Co-Chair of the Victorian Metropolitan Hospital Chief Executive group, Board Member of the Parent Infant Research Institute and Board Director of the South West Melbourne Medicare Local.
Linda holds a PhD in Cardiac Physiology, Bachelor of Science with first class Honours, Bachelor of Arts and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also a Graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership Program and a member of Chief Executive Women.
Professor Christine Bennett AO
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board in March 2018, Christine is a specialist paediatrician with over 30 years of health industry experience in clinical care and governance, strategic planning, executive management, teaching and research.
Christine was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor at the University of Notre Dame Australia following her contributions as Deputy Vice Chancellor Enterprise & Partnerships and Dean of Medicine, Sydney for more than 10 years. Previously, she was Chair of Research Australia, a Group Executive and Chief Medical Officer at both MBF Limited and Bupa Australia, a Partner in the KPMG Health and Life Sciences Practice, CEO of Westmead Hospital, Chair of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Chair of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission, Non-Executive Director of Digital Health CRC Limited and on the Telstra Health Board. Christine is currently a Non-Executive Director of Sonic Healthcare Ltd, Patron of Research Australia, on the Board of the Australian Digital Health Agency, and Convenor of the Champions of change STEM and Health Group for gender equality.
Christine was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014, in recognition of her distinguished service to medicine and health care leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Master of Paediatrics, Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Certificate in AI Ethics and Board Oversight and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Sally Freeman
Independent Non-Executive Director
Sally was appointed to the Board in January 2022 and chairs Regis’ Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. She has extensive experience in Governance, Risk and Audit, with an executive career spanning 30 years, culminating in being the Partner in Charge of KPMG Australia’s Risk Consulting practice and a member of KPMG’s Global Risk Executive.
Sally is currently a Non-Executive Director at Eastern Health, Regional Investment Corporation, Melbourne Football Club, Suburban Rail Loop Authority and ASX-listed Netwealth Group Limited, Netwealth Superannuation Services Pty Ltd. Sally was previously Director of Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company Australia Pty Ltd and was the Chair of their Board.
Sally holds a Bachelor of Commerce, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants, Global Certified Information Systems Auditor, Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Fellow of the Victorian Williamson Leadership Program and a member of Chief Executive Women.
Jodie Leonard
Non-Executive Director
Appointed to the Board in November 2023, Jodie is an experienced listed company director and commercial leader with a focus on strategic marketing and digital transformation. Jodie’s career spans over 30 years in ASX, NYSE and FTSE-listed companies and includes senior positions at General Electric, the Nine Network, British Airways and Telstra, having worked across Australia, the USA, UK, Asia and Europe.
Jodie has experience in a diverse range of industries including banking and financial services, superannuation, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, media and entertainment, and travel and tourism. Jodie currently sits on the board of Barwon Water Corporation. She has previously served on the boards of Pacific Smiles Group Ltd, Beyond Bank Australia, the RACV, Flexigroup and BWX. She is actively involved with Women on Boards and Chairs the NED Circle syndicate. Jodie is an experienced Remuneration Committee Chair and has extensive governance experience having served on the board of multiple APRA regulated entities. Jodie holds a Bachelor of Business, is a member of Chief Executive Women and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ian Roberts
Non-Executive Director
Ian was a Director of Regis upon listing on 7 October 2014. Prior to listing, Ian had been a Director of Fairway Investment Holdings Pty Ltd1 since May 2007.
Before co-leading the Regis journey, Ian was involved in property development (sub-divisional and commercial) in South-East Queensland. As a founding shareholder and Director of Regis (Executive Director prior to 2008), Ian headed up Property with oversight of the development and implementation of the strategy that saw the business grow to more than 4,500 beds nationally.
Ian holds a Bachelor of Science (Surveying) and has over 35 years of experience in the real estate sector including more than 25 years in residential aged care. He is currently a Non-Executive Director of several property and property services enterprises.
EXECUTIVES
Dr Imtiaz Bhayat
Chief Information Officer
Imtiaz commenced with Regis in 2020. Imtiaz is accountable for developing and implementing Regis’ digital strategy, including overseeing IT operations, applications, infrastructure, cyber security and the
project management office.
As a leader with broad commercial experience in tier one consulting, he has a track record in using technology to transform organisations and improve outcomes.
Imtiaz holds a PhD in Financial Markets Technology, Master of Commerce, Master of Research, Bachelor of Commerce, is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, is a CPA and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Filomena Ciavarella
Executive General Manager — Strategy and Care Excellence
Filomena joined Regis in 2020, and has accountability for clinical and care, clinical governance, strategic management, quality management, risk management and improvement.
Prior to Regis, Filomena held various executive and senior leader roles at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Monash Health, Austin Health and Mercy Health.
Filomena holds a Bachelor with Honours in Medication Radiations (Nuclear Medicine), a Post Graduate Certificate in Project Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management. Filomena is currently completing a Global Master of Business Administration through Ducere Business School at Kennedy University.
Gregg Funston
Executive General Manager Operations — QLD/NSW/NT
Gregg leads our Northern Operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care for our residential aged care residents.
Gregg joined Regis in 2010 and has since held a series of senior leadership roles spanning operations and support services. He has over 25 years of experience in operations, business development and management across the hospitality and aged care sectors, with a proven track record of strategic leadership and delivering operational excellence.
Gregg holds a Diploma of Business Management.
Jodie Haydon
Chief People Officer
Jodie commenced with Regis in August 2024 and oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, learning and development, employee relations and workplace health and safety.
She has vast experience in human resources and people management, with a proven track record in executive management and senior leadership roles at Shell, Viva Energy Australia and Energy Australia.
Jodie holds a Bachelor of Economics and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also a Non-Executive Director at Afford Disability Services.
Michelle Martella
Executive General Manager — Support Services
Joining Regis in 2021, Michelle is responsible for Regis’ lifestyle and engagement, hotel services, admissions, additional services, funding and marketing and communications functions.
Michelle brings extensive strategic and operational expertise to her role, underpinned by senior leadership experience at Barwon Health and the University of Melbourne. She is highly experienced in driving improvements in complex environments and places a strong focus on service excellence.
Michelle holds a Master of Health Service Management and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Malcolm Ross
General Counsel and Company Secretary
Malcolm joined Regis in 2021 and assumed responsibility for its legal function, Board governance and supports regulatory compliance activities.
He has practised law for more than 25 years and established a strong track record in General Counsel and Company Secretary roles in listed company environments. His experience extends to private practice and long periods in hotels and industrial services businesses.
Malcolm was admitted to practice in 1997 and holds a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rick Rostolis
Chief Financial Officer
Rick was appointed Chief Financial Officer in March 2020 and is responsible for leading the company’s financial strategy, planning and performance, including oversight of financial reporting, budgeting and investor relations.
Rick has extensive experience with ASX-listed companies as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer including ASX 200 SMS Management & Technology Limited and Pro-Pac Packaging Limited.
Rick is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business, Accountancy degree. Rick is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
James Theofanis
Executive General Manager Operations – VIC/SA/TAS/WA
James leads our residential aged care Southern Operations, driving excellence in care delivery, operational performance and resident experience.
Since joining Regis in 2009, James has held a range of senior leadership roles across recruitment, operations and support services, bringing a deep understanding of the aged care sector and a commitment to continuous improvement. Prior to Regis, he built a strong foundation in recruitment and management within the private sector.
James holds a Bachelor of Business Management and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also currently completing a Global Master of Business Administration through Ducere Business School at Kennedy University
Georgia Willis
Executive General Manager – Property
Georgia joined Regis in 2023, bringing expertise in urban development, including significant roles with government and private developers.
Georgia is accountable for leading the Property division, focusing on land acquisition and development to propel the Company’s growth strategy. She is also responsible for advancing the organisation’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda, driving initiatives that promote sustainability, social responsibility and ethical governance across the business.
Georgia holds a Master of Property.