TWO senior appointments have been announced by Colten Care, which owns and operates 19 homes across Dorset and the south.

Ian Hudson, currently managing director, is to become executive chairman while Mark Aitchison is to become chief executive, in addition to his current role as group finance director.

Both appointments take effect from December 1, 2013.

Mr Hudson joined Colten Care in 1989, initially as finance director. He was appointed managing director in 1998.

Mr Aitchison was appointed group finance director in 2011.

He previously worked for chartered accountants and business advisers Princecroft Willis as managing and corporate finance partner.

Announcing the appointments, major shareholders John Colwell and Adrian Otten said: “We will soon be putting the finishing touches to our 20th home – Linden House in Lymington – and early in the New Year work will start on our 21st home at Chichester.

“Exciting times lie ahead and we are confident that under Ian and Mark’s leadership, Colten Care will continue to expand while maintaining our well-deserved reputation for offering beautifully appointed homes and the highest possible standards of care.”

Founded in 1989, Colten Care has 19 quality care and dementia homes covering Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

These offer a range of services spanning residential care to nursing care and dementia.

The family-owned company celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2014.