In honour of International Women’s Day, we celebrate the diverse expertise and extraordinary lives that shape our Riverstone. Meet four exceptional women at Riverstone defining excellence through leadership, legacy, and life experience.
Penny Hughes, Chairman
Penny Hughes has an impressive career behind her, as President of Coca-Cola GB & Ireland, and Chairman of Aston Martin, plus a plethora of influential roles at Reuters, Vodafone and GAP. As Chairman of Riverstone, Penny is focused on creating an experience for over 65s that allows residents to “upsize” their lives by reducing daily responsibilities. In this interview, she reflects on the value of mentorship, the importance of risk-adjusted decision-making, and why later life at Riverstone is a time for independent women to continue living with purpose.
Caroline Neville MBE, Resident
As the founder of CEW UK and a powerhouse in the fashion and beauty industries, Caroline Neville has spent her career championing women at the highest levels. Now a resident at Riverstone, she reflects on a journey defined by tenacity, from her early days in PR for brands like Cartier and Ralph Lauren, to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Here, she shares the guiding principles of kindness and self-belief that underpin a remarkable legacy, and what life looks like when you continue to champion the next generation from your new home at Riverstone.
Dr Zoe Wyrko, Wellbeing Director
Wellbeing is at the heart of the Riverstone experience. With a background as an NHS consultant geriatrician, Wellbeing Director Dr Zoe Wyrko is shaping a new era of retirement living. By moving beyond traditional clinical models, she curates a proactive wellbeing program centred on personal agency and the prevention of frailty. From dismantling myths about memory loss to tackling misogyny in healthcare, Zoe is redefining what it means to live well in later life.
Gerry Copley-Smith, Duty Manager
With a background in high-level hospitality and personal assistance, Gerry Copley-Smith ensures the daily rhythm of Riverstone is defined by warmth and professional excellence. For Gerry, the community is built on more than just service; it is about fostering genuine connections and honouring the extraordinary lives of our residents. In this interview, she reflects on the impact of female leadership and her purposeful journey to becoming a vital part of the Riverstone team.
