Keyton’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer steps down
- Leadership change: Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill to step down this month
- Interim appointment: CFO Paul Martin to lead while CEO search begins
- Growth legacy: Cockerill led Keyton’s transition from Lendlease Retirement Living
- Business continuity: Operator says strategy and day-to-day operations remain unchanged
The Aware Super and APG Asset Management-owned retirement village operator, Australia’s largest by number of villages, is set to lose its CEO.
Nathan Cockerill has led the business for six years, including overseeing its transition from Lendlease Retirement Living to the Keyton brand in June 2023. Before the rebrand, he served as Managing Director of Lendlease Retirement Living.
In a statement, Keyton said Nathan had played a central role in shaping the company’s growth and embedding a strong customer-focused approach across the business.
He will remain in the role until 31 July 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. Chief Financial Officer Paul Martin has been appointed as Interim CEO, while a search for a successor is underway.
The business operates in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. The group sold its Western Australian retirement villages to Not For Profit BaptistCare in November last year.
No change to its strategic priorities or day-to-day operations are expected. Under Nathan’s leadership, Keyton has progressed a number of significant development projects including VerSo Place in Vermont South, 26km east of Melbourne’s CBD that Keyton bought in July 2024.
The operator is also partnering with Cronulla RSL and University of Wollongong on new retirement villages and is continuing to expand its Bernborough Ascot precinct.
Keyton Chair Rod Fehring said the focus was on continuity and stability.
“Nathan has made a significant contribution to Keyton and leaves the business strongly positioned for the future, with a clear strategy, a talented leadership team and positive momentum across our operations,” he said.
“We have full confidence in Paul Martin to lead the business as Interim CEO and ensure continuity while we undertake a thorough process to appoint a new CEO.”
Nathan said the business was well placed for its next phase.
“I am proud of what we have achieved together and believe the business is well positioned for continued success.”
