WiRL strengthens board with appointment of two industry leaders

Dr Zoe Wyrko and Katherine Rose

Women in Retirement Living (WiRL) is delighted to announce the appointment of two outstanding professionals to its board: Dr Zoe Wyrko, wellbeing and quality director at Riverstone Living, and Katherine Rose, chief customer officer at Elysian Residences.

Both bring a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives that will support WiRL in its mission to empower women, inspire innovation, and shape a more inclusive and progressive retirement living sector.

Dr Zoe Wyrko joins the board with more than two decades of experience in the NHS and a distinguished career focused on improving the lives of older people through holistic and system-based approaches to healthcare. Now leading Riverstone Living’s wellbeing strategy, she integrates the latest research in healthy ageing with person-centred care. A former medical director and consultant geriatrician, Dr Wyrko is also known for her advocacy work challenging societal attitudes towards ageing.

“I’m honoured to have been asked to join the WiRL board. From my early days as a healthcare assistant, I can clearly recall the women who lifted me up—those who mentored, coached, and offered invaluable advice. Their support played a crucial role in shaping my career. The chance to contribute to the development of retirement living as a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing sector was one I couldn’t turn down. I’m excited to work alongside the WiRL team to help drive meaningful, lasting change,” said Dr Wyrko.

Katherine Rose brings over 25 years of commercial and customer experience from global consumer brands and senior living operators. As chief customer officer at Elysian Residences, she leads customer experience, brand strategy, and product innovation across the business. Her passion lies in creating thoughtful, insight-led solutions that respond to the evolving expectations of older adults, drawing from her international expertise and deep knowledge of the UK market.

“I'm truly honoured to have been invited onto the Advisory Board of WiRL, an inspiring women’s networking organisation that has achieved so much in such a short time. As someone who has benefited from its work myself, I’m passionate about helping women and other underrepresented groups thrive in our sector —and I hope to bring my industry insight and commercial expertise to support its continued impact and growth," said Katherine Rose.

Emily Adlington, WiRL Director, commented:

“Zoe and Katherine are outstanding leaders whose experience and vision will add incredible value to WiRL. Their expertise in healthcare, customer experience, and innovation will help us drive forward our mission of empowering women and creating a truly collaborative, forward-thinking retirement living sector. We’re excited about the energy and insight they will bring to our board.”