Hutchens to Oversee Ventas Senior Housing Operations in North America

CHICAGO—Locally-based Ventas Inc. reports it has appointed J. Justin Hutchens as EVP, Senior Housing, North America.

The appointment of the former CEO of HC-One, is effective April 1. In this newly-created role, Hutchens will oversee Ventas's senior housing business in North America, which includes more than 700 properties. Hutchens will serve on the company's executive team and report to Ventas chairman and CEO Debra A. Cafaro.

Hutchens brings more than 25 years of senior housing experience to Ventas. At HC-One, he led the company during a significant period of refinement and growth resulting in Britain's largest residential and nursing care home operator with more than300 communities in England, Scotland and Wales. Hutchens's prior roles include serving as chief operating officer of Emeritus, a senior living company that was the largest operator of assisted living in the U.S. during his tenure; chief executive officer, chief operating officer and president of National Health Investors; and president of HCP (now Healthpeak Properties, Inc.). Hutchens will serve as one of Ventas's two representatives on the Eclipse Senior Living Board of Directors.

"Ventas is committed to the success of our senior housing business and the addition of Justin, an accomplished and experienced senior housing operator, will accelerate our ability to realize its significant upside potential," said Debra A. Cafaro, Ventas Chairman and CEO. "In this role, Justin will be 100% dedicated to Ventas's Senior Housing business and expand our existing capabilities as we improve performance heading into a strong demographic demand wave."

Ventas also reports it is realigning some areas of executive responsibility to build on the talented team leading the company. Each of the company's current EVPS will continue to report directly to the CEO and take on additional responsibilities:

Robert F. Probst, EVP and chief financial officer, will add oversight of the tax and risk management functions to his role. He will continue to oversee the capital markets, financial planning & analysis, accounting and reporting, investor relations and IT functions. John D. Cobb, EVP, investments, will continue to lead enterprise-wide investments and dispositions for the company, while adding oversight of Brian Newman, Ventas portfolio strategy officer and one of the managing directors of the company's newly-launched Perpetual Life Vehicle fund. Cobb's team will continue to source all investments, including those to be included in the Fund portfolio.

In addition, Peter J. Bulgarelli, EVP, Office and CEO of Lillibridge Healthcare Services, has assumed responsibility for the Healthcare Asset Management group, which includes the company's acute and post-acute portfolios.

Instant Insights /

Hutchens to Oversee Ventas Senior Housing Operations in North America

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