Leadership & Governance

Eric has extensive experience as a business leader, strategy innovator and change leader. He has coached and advised people in different countries. Eric has a passion for developing excellence and outstanding performance from individuals and organisations. Eric has been part of the board since 2017 and assumed the role of chairman in 2022.

Emeritus Professor Dr. Sabine Hammond is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience as a researcher, educator, and practitioner. She has held leadership positions in both academic and professional settings. Sabine has also served on higher education, regulatory, and not-for-profit boards. Her expertise includes governance, ethics, professional practice, and regulation. Sabine has been a member of the Martin Luther Homes Board since 2019.

Geoff is an infrastructure specialist with 40 years of experience in civil, roadwork, and asset management projects. This experience includes strategy, business development, design, and operations. He joined the Martin Luther Homes board in 2014 after being nominated by the Lutheran Church of Australia (Victoria and Tasmania District).

Christine is a graduate of AICD’s Company Director Course. With a background in private legal practice and as in-house sole General Counsel across various industries, she possesses a deep understanding of stakeholder challenges. Nine years as General Counsel in the home care, NDIS, and respite care sectors enriched her knowledge of the Government-funded aged care system. Currently, she serves as General Counsel in the probiotics industry and mentors law graduates, leveraging her experience to contribute at a strategic level.

Graham has over 25 years of experience in leadership roles at Ford Motor Company. In addition, he served 13 years at the board level at a smaller not-for-profit retirement village, providing strategic and operational guidance. His expertise lies in governance, leadership, and the financial and operational aspects of operating in the not-for-profit sector. Graham is a long-term congregational member of the Calvary Lutheran Church. He has joined the MLH board in 2021.

Dr. Pranav Sharma is a medical professional with a rich background in healthcare, spanning three distinct national health systems: India, the UK, and Australia. Dr. Sharma was the Clinical Lead with the local Clinical Commissioning Group in Slough, west of London, UK, where he spearheaded efforts to mitigate tuberculosis prevalence. His areas of specialisation encompass clinical governance, ethics, and professional practice.

Birgit joined Martin Luther Homes (MLH) as Chief Executive Officer in 2011. She has started her career in the healthcare sector as a midwife in Germany and the UK. In the UK, Birgit worked as a Clinical Educator, midwife, and managed neonatal intensive care and infection control units. She completed her BSc(HONS) before arriving in Australia in 1998. Birgit holds an MBA and has worked in several senior executive roles in the public and private health care sector. Before commencing at MLH, Birgit worked in Clinical Services Planner. As the CEO of Martin Luther Homes, Birgit combines her essential clinical skills with her extensive experience in management and planning.

Guided by Christian faith, her nan’s experience in aged care, and the early influence of completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award through volunteering in aged care, Elise was inspired to build the foundation for what has now become more than 20 years of aged care service. Elise began her nursing career in Melbourne as an Enrolled Endorsed Nurse and worked for nearly a decade in Queensland. During this time, she commenced her Bachelor of Nursing, later returning to Melbourne to raise her family and continue her career. Through her EEN and RN training, Elise gained not only essential clinical and personal care skills but also a genuine belief in the power of small, meaningful gestures. This insight has now shaped her leadership style as the Director of Nursing at Martin Luther Homes over the past 2 years, inspiring her team to prioritise attention to detail, choice, compassion, and integrity in every interaction.

Tim holds diplomas in Marketing and Business and contributes to workplace safety as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) and OVA De-escalation Trainer. He brings more than 20 years of customer service experience to MLH. Tim has worked across Europe, Dubai, and Asia, giving him a strong understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of inclusive, person-centred support. His experience also includes working in the not-for-profit sector with older people in the community, including with a German Lutheran Church in Melbourne. He also leads key transformation initiatives, including digital and IT system rollouts and environmental redesign, helping create settings that feel like home while supporting safe and compliant care.

Reuben has started looking after the accounts of Martin Luther Homes in October 2022. Reuben grew up in Indonesia and came to Australia over 20 years ago. He studied Accounting and Finance in Sydney before making Melbourne his new home. He has worked as an accountant and finance manager in the aged care industry and for non-for-profit organisation.