Affinity Education Group (Affinity) has welcomed Andre Reich to the position of Chief Operating Officer, after a six-month period as Interim COO.
An experienced and well-respected operator who has held executive management positions with national retail companies including Coles Myer, Wesfarmers and The Reject Shop, Andre’s specialist skills have contributed to significant cultural transformation and increased outcomes across multiple brands and businesses.
CEO Tim Hickey said Andre had quickly established a strong connection with the company’s 200-strong executive and operational teams, and 4000+ employees.
“Andre is a values-based leader and has proven to be a great fit with our Affinity culture, bringing enormous enthusiasm and expertise to our business, and gaining great respect in a very short period of time,” Mr Hickey said.
“He has quickly applied his commercial acumen and strengths in leadership and transformation to make a positive impact across our quality, education, safety and operational teams. And he truly lives our value of Having Serious Fun. I’m thrilled he is joining us at such an exciting time in our journey,” he said.
The Affinity Education team at Papilio Early Learning Artarmon Centre of Excellence, NSW
A champion of equality, committed to creating supportive working environments, Andre said he was attracted to Affinity’s brand promise to realise potential.
“Affinity has one of the most positive company cultures I’ve ever experienced, and it is refreshing to be working with new and emerging leaders in the early education and care sector who are absolutely passionate about what they do,” he said.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of a community which is making such a positive impact on Australia’s next generation, especially through initiatives such as the Lifelong Learning Curriculum,” he said.