A career built on people and place
Chris joined RVG earlier this year, stepping straight into one of the most exciting moments for any new village — its opening. Over the past few months, he’s been focused on building the team at The Willowbury in West Malling, carefully shaping the people and culture that will define it from day one.
His journey began in hospitality, working his way up through luxury hotels in London before moving into retirement living as the sector began to grow. Now, with over 16 years’ experience and five new community openings behind him, Chris brings both expertise and genuine passion to the role. As he puts it, “Hospitality and people are in my blood.”
Why retirement living feels like home
For Chris, the move into retirement living was a natural one. It blends his love of service with something deeper, the opportunity to build real relationships over time.
“This sector is the perfect match,” he says. “You deliver great service and standards, but you also get to know residents, their friends and families, it becomes something much more personal.”
That sense of connection sits at the heart of everything he does, shaping not just the service, but the atmosphere of the village itself.
A village connected to its community
Set in the heart of West Malling, The Willowbury has been thoughtfully designed to feel like a natural part of the wider community. Chris is particularly excited about the role that spaces such as Yarrow, our restaurant serving classic British cuisine with a contemporary touch, and Aluna, our wellbeing club, will play in bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections.
“West Malling is a vibrant little community,” he explains, “and The Willowbury will only add to that and really intertwine with it.” When people visit, it’s not just the design or setting they notice — it’s the feeling. “They’ll always comment on the warmth and welcome,” Chris says. “The team and residents are what bring a community alive.”
Chris lives just 10 miles from the village and has called Kent home for many years, after moving from the North of England.
For him, the location offers the very best of both worlds. There’s countryside on your doorstep, London within easy reach, and even Europe just a short journey away. It’s a combination that makes West Malling feel both settled and connected, something he knows future residents will value just as much.
The moments that matter most
Ask Chris what makes his role so rewarding, and the answer is immediate, seeing people grow in confidence.
“Watching someone arrive nervous and unsure, then become part of a vibrant community… that’s everything,” he says.
There are moments that stay with him too. One, in particular, stands out, a resident who had to manage a move on her own for the first time. After everything was completed, she sat down with a gin and tonic and simply said, “I did it.”
“She told us she couldn’t have done it without the support of the team,” Chris recalls. “Those are the moments you never forget.”
A final word from Chris
If there’s one thing Chris would encourage, it’s to experience The Willowbury in person.
“I’d always rather meet people face to face,” he says. “That’s when you really get a feel for everything.”
And it’s that same belief — in conversation, connection, and community — that will continue to shape life at The Willowbury from its very first day.
