Meet the Team
Our executive team have worked across the care sector in a variety of roles, ensuring that Aria Care is led by a team that know and understand the sector fully. Read on to find out more about each member of our executive team and their areas of expertise.
Caroline Roberts
Chief Executive Officer
Caroline joined the Aria Care Group as Chief Executive Officer in December 2022.
With over 35 years of working in the social care sector, Caroline has extensive operational management experience, both in the public and private sector. Caroline has held senior leadership positions in other major care organisations as well as previously working as a Regulatory Inspector.
Her approach fosters a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging, promoting an environment centred on quality resident care and raising the profile of social care.
Kelly Howell
Chief People Officer
Kelly, a CIPD qualified HR professional, with over 20 years’ experience within HR. Kelly has worked across a number of industries including Financial Services, Professional Services and Facilities Management in Operational Board, Executive Board and C-Suite roles. She has overall responsibility for HR, Recruitment & Learning & Operational Development.
Kelly’s ability to create opportunities for employees and grow talent is driven by her passion to help people become the best versions of themselves.
David Burke
Chief Finance Officer
David is an experienced Finance Leader, having qualified ACMA in 1992. He has 16 years’ experience in the Health and Social Care sector, having been Finance Director or Chief Finance Officer at a range of care groups in the UK.
David has worked with Private Equity, Corporate and Privately owned businesses, and adds value through his eye for detail and strategic thinking. He has a commercial focus and has led on several acquisitions in the sector.
Ruth Yates
Managing Director of Operations
Ruth joined the organisation in 2022 and has worked in the Health and Social Care sector for almost 25 years, starting her career as a Home Manager before progressing to more senior operational roles. As a Managing Director for other key care companies, she has managed large, diverse portfolios of care homes throughout England and Wales, and acted as the Responsible Individual for Wales for a number of years. Ruth is a passionate Registered Nurse and maintains current live Nursing and Midwifery Council registration.
Ruth is unwavering in her belief that residents are always at the heart of everything we do. She is committed to supporting the people she works with to allow them to be the best they can be, to enable them to make a difference to the lives of the Residents they care for in a person centred and dignified manner.
Mark Sims
Director of Quality and Governance
Mark is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience working across the adult health and social care sectors, including the NHS, health & social care regulation, home management and senior leadership roles for large private healthcare providers.
Mark has studied to Masters Degree level and holds an MSc in Medical Anthropology from the University of Brunel and well as a Degree in Health & Social Care and a Higher National Diploma in Adult Nursing from Portsmouth University.
Mark’s most recent role, prior to joining Aria Care Homes, was Heading up the Regulatory Governance function for another major care group, where he was proud to be part of a team delivering high quality support to operational & support colleagues, something he is keen to carry on whilst working with colleagues at Aria.
James Clear
Hospitality Director
A highly experienced chef with 28 years of experience, James quickly progressed to head chef at the age of 18, starting in hotels before transitioning to high-end restaurants and eventually establishing his own successful catering company in 2003. He sold the business eight years later and became a freelance consultant, specialising in restaurant kitchen design and setup.
In 2013, James moved into the care industry as a head chef, leading on commissioning a new care home before becoming a hotel service manager for another care company in 2015. He has been recognised with several awards, including the NACC catering manager award in 2006 and the Pam Rhodes award for outstanding contribution to care catering in 2020.
James aims to improve the hospitality experience at Aria Care by formulating a dining strategy that caters to the needs of all residents. Additionally, he plans to establish an Aria Chef Academy to cultivate our own talented chefs for the future.
Karl Dawson
Projects Director
Karl is a highly experienced professional with 25 years of retail leadership experience under his belt. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of regional, head office, and store leadership roles, gaining valuable insights and knowledge in the retail sector.
Eight years ago, Karl joined the care sector, where he took on regional and national roles. With a passion for developing both people and the business, Karl has been instrumental in driving growth and success within his respective organisations.
Karl’s knowledge and experience will enable Aria Care to drive forward important projects which in turn will support us in achieving our business objectives and implementing innovative practices across the portfolio.
Sarah Chapman
Director of Sales and Marketing
Sarah is a customer-focused leader known for her logical thinking and can-do attitude. An expert at leading and fostering high performance teams whilst building and maintaining strong Client relationships.
A strategic thinker, Sarah’s understanding of the sector and dedication to provide the best service underpins her passion to drive revenue growth.
Joining the Care sector in 2020 and using the skills and knowledge learned from Hospitality, she continues to drive growth and performance whilst supporting and developing her team.
Any questions?
Call us for free any day of the week.
Our expert team is on-hand to help you and your family find the right care with free advice on anything from funding care to finding the right home and moving in.
0808 175 4040 (freephone)