Sunrise Senior Living Names CEO Mark Ordan’s Successor

Sunrise Senior Living, LLC announced Thursday that Penny McIntyre will succeed Mark Ordan as the company’s chief executive officer, effective November 18, 2013.

The board-appointed replacement represents an expected transition following Ordan’s announcement last November that he would depart the role following the sale of Sunrise to Health Care REIT. 

McIntyre has more than 20 years of global consumer experience and was most recently the president of Newell RubberMaid, Inc.’s Consumer Group, where she led the international growth strategy for global brands such as Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Calphalon, and Paper Mate. 

Prior to that, McIntyre held executive positions at companies including The Coca-Cola Company and S.C. Johnson. 

“We searched extensively to find the next leader for Sunrise’s world-class care model, and knew we had found the right person when we met Penny,” said Bill Petty, chairman of Sunrise’s board of directors and founding principal of Beecken Petty O’Keefe & Company. “Penny’s expertise in leading world-class organizations to meet consumer needs reinforces Sunrise’s mission to champion the quality of life for all seniors. Above all, her passion for helping others personifies Sunrise’s core values and commitment to offering the highest quality care to its residents.”

In August 2012, McLean, Va.-based Sunrise Senior Living agreed to have its real estate holdings acquired by Health Care REIT in a transaction that closed the following January. As part of the closing, the company spun off and sold its management business to affiliates of Health Care REIT, Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co. LP, Beecken Petty O’Keefe & Company, and Coastwood Senior Housing Partners LLC. 

During Sunrise’s third quarter earnings call in November 2012, Ordan announced he would transition from his role following the close of the company’s sale to HCN but would serve as CEO for up to a year following the merger’s completion. 

“I am so honored to become a part of the Sunrise legacy as the third CEO in the company’s 30-year history, and the first woman to lead the organization,” said McIntyre in a statement. “While visiting Sunrise’s communities, I quickly recognized the team’s dedication to providing its residents and their families a home that is safe and nurturing. I share in their deep commitment to the principles of service and mission that set Sunrise apart, and I look forward to helping the company grow to serve even more seniors.”

Written by Alyssa Gerace