Our leadership team
The Summerset leadership team works closely with the Board of Directors to implement the strategic direction of our company. They’re also responsible for day-to-day business operations.
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Julian Cook
Chief Executive Officer | FCPA, MAF, MSc, BSc, BA
Julian has overall responsibility for Summerset and is focused on developing and operating vibrant villages, and ensuring that respect for our customers is always at the core of everything we do.
Prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2014, Julian was Summerset's Chief Financial Officer from 2010 onwards. He oversaw Summerset’s transition to become a publicly listed company on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and the Australian Securities Exchange.
Julian is a member of the Executive Committee for the New Zealand Retirement Villages Association and a Fellow of CPA Australia.
Scott Scoullar
Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | CA ANZ, FCPA, BCA
Scott has overall responsibility for the financial management of the company. He also leads the corporate services functions at Summerset.
Before joining Summerset in 2014, Scott held CFO roles at Housing New Zealand and Inland Revenue, as well as various roles at National Bank.
A Chartered Accountant, Scott was the recipient of NZICA’s Public Sector CFO of the Year award for 2011, and received a Special Commendation at the 2012 New Zealand CFO Summit Awards. Scott is also a Fellow of CPA Australia and a CPA New Zealand Council Board Member.
Fay French
General Manager Sales | RNZcmpN
Fay leads our national sales team and can be found at Summerset's Wellington office or at one of our many New Zealand villages.
Fay has a breadth of experience across sales, hospitality and the health sector. Prior to joining Summerset in 2015, she held a sales leadership role at a leading New Zealand e-commerce platform where she was responsible for leading a team of business development managers. A registered nurse, Fay has worked in various nursing roles and medical sales for Roche Pharmaceuticals.
Paul Morris
General Manager Development Australia | Dip. BS
Paul leads Summerset’s investigation of development opportunities in the Australian market.
Paul has been with Summerset since early 2000. He commenced in the GM Development Australia role in 2018 having previously been GM Development New Zealand since 2003.
Dean Tallentire
General Manager Construction | BSc (Hons), HND, RICS
Dean leads our design management, building consents, procurement, cost management, construction management and administration support teams in the construction team.
Dean has extensive construction and development experience and has lead teams in public and private sectors within developer and main contractor environments.
Eleanor Young
General Manager Operations and Customer Experience | BSc (Hons)
Eleanor oversees the operational performance across all Summerset villages. Her focus on service experience and delivery ensures Summerset’s residents receive the highest quality facilities and care.
Before joining Summerset in 2016, Eleanor held senior roles at Inland Revenue. This included four years as the Group Manager of Customer Services, managing over 2,000 staff across New Zealand to deliver services to customers.
Eleanor has a background in human resources within both the public and private sector, having worked in managerial roles for the Ministry of Social Development, Mighty River Power and Air New Zealand.
Aaron Smail
General Manager Development | BE (Civil), BBS
Aaron leads Summerset’s development team in New Zealand, which covers identifying and purchasing new sites, project feasibilities, consents, design concepts, master planning and design standards for villages.
Previous roles in his 25+ years of property and development experience include senior positions at Todd Property Group and Kiwi Property.
Aaron has been with Summerset since 2015.