G8 Education elevates people and culture leader to COO role amid business transformation

G8 Education has appointed current Chief People and Culture Officer Linda Carroll as Chief Operating Officer, signalling the growing importance of workforce, culture and safety leadership as the provider continues a business-wide transformation program.

The ASX-listed early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider announced that Ms Carroll will take up the role on 20 July 2026, succeeding Shane Dann, who will step down on 17 July to pursue other opportunities.

Ms Carroll joined G8 Education in June 2024 and has served as Chief People and Culture Officer for the past two years. She brings more than 12 years of leadership experience in the ECEC sector and has played a key role in shaping workforce, culture and safety initiatives across the organisation.

The appointment comes as G8 continues a business-wide restructure designed to strengthen long-term sustainability and operational resilience across its national network of services. In her new role, Ms Carroll will oversee the continued implementation of initiatives focused on safety and the delivery of high-quality education and care.

G8 Education Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Pejman Okhovat said Ms Carroll's contribution to the organisation had positioned her well for the role.

“Linda has made a significant contribution to G8, particularly in ensuring our culture supports strong safety and operational outcomes,” Mr Okhovat said.

“I look forward to working with Linda in her new role as Chief Operating Officer as we continue to build a more resilient, mature and sustainable business.”

The promotion reflects a broader shift occurring across the ECEC sector, where workforce capability, organisational culture and educator wellbeing are increasingly recognised as critical drivers of quality outcomes, safety and operational performance.

Large providers continue to face challenges including workforce shortages, regulatory reform and rising expectations around service quality. Against this backdrop, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on building strong workplace cultures and supporting educators to deliver high-quality learning environments for children.

Mr Okhovat said Ms Carroll's leadership would be central to the rollout of G8's safety, quality and operational improvement initiatives as the company progresses through the next stage of its transformation agenda.

The company also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Chief Operating Officer Shane Dann, who has held the role since September 2023.

“Shane has worked closely with our network to lift operational capability and quality across the Group over the past three years,” Mr Okhovat said.

“On behalf of the Board and the G8 team, I thank Shane for his dedication and commitment and wish him all the best for the future.”

The leadership transition comes at a time when operational sustainability, workforce retention and quality improvement remain key priorities for providers across the ECEC sector.

Read the full ASX announcement here.