Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO), the trade association for operators of housing with care, has appointed Nick Sanderson as its new chair.

Sanderson (pictured), the founder and chief executive of Audley Retirement, was elected unanimously at ARCO’s annual general meeting on 12 October.

He replaces Richard Davis, the former chief executive of LifeCare Residences, who returned to his home country, New Zealand, earlier this year to take up a new role.

Sanderson commented: “ARCO has championed the approach of providing retirement housing combined with care and additional facilities, and its members set the standard for the industry. Audley, as a founder member, has been involved since the start, so I am thrilled to have been elected chair as the organisation continues to grow its influence.

“The retirement housing sector is today faced with an unprecedented opportunity, although one not without its challenges. I look forward to working with the ARCO team and all members to increase the supply of retirement communities that meet the housing and care needs of our ageing population.”