• Melinda Smith appointed as CEO and Managing Director
• Extensive experience in childcare, retail, and government sectors
• Proven track record of driving transformation and improving outcomes

Kip McGrath Education Centres Limited (ASX: KME) has announced the appointment of Melinda Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, with a commencement date in the second half of 2025. Ms. Smith is a strategic and commercially-minded executive with a proven track record of success in the childcare, retail, and government sectors. She has held senior roles at Woolworths Limited, the Australian Taxation Office, and most recently as the Chief Operating Officer at Goodstart Early Learning. During her time at the ATO, she led a team of 8,000 staff across 22 sites, managing the processing of 14 million tax returns and a $40 billion debt book. At Goodstart Early Learning, she was responsible for leading 17,000 teachers, educators, and centre directors across 660 sites, driving significant improvements in both staff engagement and family net promoter scores. The Board of Kip McGrath has been particularly impressed with Ms. Smith's leadership capabilities, customer focus, and alignment with the company's purpose and vision. Her appointment comes as the company prepares for the next stage of growth, including its 50th anniversary year in 2026. Current Executive Chair, Damian Banks, will step down from this role upon Ms. Smith's commencement and resume as Non-Executive Chair.

Melinda Smith is looking forward to leading Kip McGrath Education Centres in its 50th anniversary year in 2026 and driving the company's next stage of growth.