Executive leadership

Andrew Sudholz

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director

Andrew is a founding shareholder and Executive Director of Japara Healthcare. Andrew has more than 30 years of experience in the real estate, healthcare and construction industries.

Prior to the establishment of Japara, Andrew was a Global Partner of the Arthur Andersen Group, the National Partner of Ernst & Young’s Real Estate Advisory Services Group and the State General Manager for the Triden Corporation

Andrew has consistently delivered results in his previous roles due to his expertise in strategy implementation, corporate finance, business management and funds management.

Andrew holds an Associate Diploma of Valuations from the Royal Melbourne Institution of Technology, a Diploma in Real Estate from the Prahan Institute of Technology and an Australia Financial Services License.

Chris Price

Chief Financial Officer

Chris brings to Japara more than 25 years’ finance and management experience at the executive level, the majority obtained with ASX listed companies.

His entrée into the professional world came via KPMG in 1987, where he rose quickly from the position of auditor, to senior consulting roles in corporate recovery and risk management. Seeking to drive outcomes from within a business, rather than simply advise, Chris switched to the client side from 1995: firstly, at PMP Limited, then many years later at Crowe Horwath Australia, where he would ultimately become Chief Executive Officer.

Since joining Japara in 2015, his knowledge and capabilities in investor relations, corporate governance, banking, acquisitions and capital management have realised significant improvements to the business—and continue to do so.

Forthright but fair, Chris is an articulate communicator and skilled negotiator who confronts every challenge with honesty, intellect and insight. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business from RMIT University.

Wendy Waddell

Group Executive—Care & Commercial

Wendy’s entire career has centred on caring for others. Her entry into the aged living sector began as manager of a Southern Cross Care facility in rural Victoria, where her experience in nursing and social work, leadership skills, and heartfelt desire to help older people enjoy better lives, yielded exceptional outcomes.

Elevated to Executive Manager, Residential and Retirement, Wendy relocated to Melbourne—sharing her knowledge, developing and implementing award-winning initiatives, and emerging as a highly respected industry spokesperson. As a member of Japara’s executive leadership, she continues to place resident wellbeing at the heart of every decision, driving constant improvement that ensures our services are delivered to the quality on which our reputation is founded.

A tireless innovator and exceptional communicator, Wendy leads a strong, unified team and takes enormous pride in helping all members realise their potential. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds a Masters in Aged Services Management, and has qualifications in nursing, social work and education.

Ashley van Winkel

Group Executive—People & Infrastructure

‘Caring for the carers, and the settings in which they work’ is how Ashley sums up his role—a perspective that reflects his down-to-earth nature, but belies the breadth and complexity of his responsibilities, and commensurate expertise.

A highly principled individual and astute decision maker, Ashley’s 30-year track record in human resources and general management, includes leadership positions in both public and private companies, across a wide range of industries. Motivated to give back to the community, he committed to the aged care sector more than a decade ago: initially at Royal Freemasons, then at Japara when appointed Group General Manager of HR in 2012.

Ashley’s impact in the time since has been profound, with Japara now regarded by many as the industry benchmark—both as a preferred employer, and for its success in optimising operating efficiencies without compromise to workplace safety, resident care or workplace relations. He holds formal qualifications in multiple disciplines, including Business, Management, Human Resources, and Workplace Training and Assessment.