John Erickson, founder of Erickson Retirement Communities, a major senior living company, has stepped down from his post as the company’s CEO, effective immediately.

The company named Bruce R. “Rick” Grindrod as Erickson’s replacement. Grindrod, who has worked at the company for 22 years, has formerly served as executive vice president of operations and executive director of Erickson’s Charlestown community in Catonsville. Erickson will stay on as chairman of the company.

In related company news, Fort Smith, AK-based Golden Living, James Avery, M.D., has been named senior vice president and chief medical officer. In his post as CMO, Avery will have clinical responsibility and oversight across all Golden Living businesses, according to a company brief. Avery has an extensive background in both geriatric and hospice care, and is expected to use that experience to improve overall quality of care at Golden Living.