NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Granger Cobb, one of the architects of the merger between giant seniors housing operators Brookdale Senior Living and Emeritus Corp. in 2014, has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 55.
Cobb worked in seniors housing for his entire career. He was the president and CEO of Emeritus when the Brookdale (NYSE: BKD) merger occurred, at which point he became a member of Brookdale’s Board of Directors.
Cobb joined Emeritus in 2007, when the company acquired Summerville Senior Living where he was serving as president, CEO and director. He had joined Summerville in 1998 when the company acquired Cobbco Inc., a California-based assisted living company he founded in 1989.
Cobb was active in several industry associations and served on the boards of directors of the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) and the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC).
“Granger Cobb was a true pioneer and leader in our industry,” says Andy Smith, Brookdale’s CEO. “He had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless seniors and their families and all of the associates who benefited from his leadership and vision. His vision, friendship and energy will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences go out to his family.”