The people who work at G8 Education are passionate about early learning. We’re driven by the idea that our work is helping to shape the lives of tens of thousands of children every day. Together we are working to improve early educational benchmarks in Australia to ensure superior outcomes for the next generation.
Pejman Okhovat
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Pejman joined G8 Education as CEO and Managing Director in January 2023.
Prior to joining the Group, Pejman has held senior leadership positions across a number of well-known retail organisations in Australia and internationally, including as the Managing Director of BIG W, Chief Executive Officer of NZX-listed retailer The Warehouse and as a senior leader at UK retailers Marks and Spencer, Sainsburys and ASDA/Walmart. He has extensive experience in leading large teams within geographically dispersed networks, with a strong focus on customer service, business transformation and delivering value for all stakeholders.
Pejman is committed to continuing G8 Education’s purpose-led approach to delivering meaningful societal impact through quality early childhood education delivered through a passionate and capable team of educators, teachers and support team.
He holds a BA Hons in Business Studies from Leeds Business School, with further executive education at Babson College (USA) and INSEAD (Singapore).
Shane Dann
Chief Operating Officer
Shane joined G8 Education in September 2023 as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). He has significant experience working in executive roles within the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector, both in Australia and New Zealand.
He has a passion for innovation with a focus on ‘best in business’ service delivery and a proven ability to build strong and capable teams, with his most recent notable role in the ECEC sector as COO of the largest privately operated provider of childcare services within Australia. In addition to Shane’s roles in Early Childhood Education, he has also held executive positions in hospitality and ASX listed healthcare organisations.
Shane holds a Bachelor of Business Management (Accountancy) as well as several executive professional certifications.
Andrea Christie-David
Managing Director – Specialised Care Division
Andrea joined G8 Education in October 2021 as Managing Director of the newly established Specialised Care Division. Andrea is also the Founder and Managing Director of Leor, a specialised in-home education and care and disability support business, which became part of G8 Education in October 2021. Andrea has continued to oversee the Leor business whilst also expanding G8’s ability to support children with complex needs within its network.
Andrea is the President of the peak body for In-Home Care, the Australian Home Childcare Association, and is an Apiary Fellow, a fellowship that focuses on creating systemic change for all stakeholders in the early childhood sector. Andrea is a Director of Relationships Australia (NSW) and is a member of the Law Society of NSW Children’s Legal Issues Committee.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a Master of International Law and a Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ali Evans
Head of Early Learning and Education
Ali joined G8 Education in February 2022 as the Head of Early Learning and Education. She has worked in education for more than 30 years in roles that have focused on quality teaching and learning, leadership and mentoring, curriculum development, community partnerships, research, inclusion and wellbeing.
Ali has held senior roles across large early learning providers as well as roles in the tertiary sector. More recently she has held positions developing, leading and embedding strategic programs focussing on education, quality, reconciliation, inclusion and wellbeing.
Ali holds a Master of Educational Leadership and Policy and Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. In 2023 she was nominated to a National Board position on Early Childhood Australia as well as being a member of the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership Leadership Table.
Calvin Goulding
Chief Information Officer
Calvin is an accomplished Chief Information Officer with over 15-years of technology leadership experience in ASX listed companies across various industries.
Calvin’s passion lies in delivering value and delightful experiences through technology. He is dedicated to leading and empowering talented teams to create technology solutions that enhance experiences and outcomes for G8 Education’s children and families. With his visionary approach, Calvin aims to drive innovation and establish G8 Education as a leader in the education industry.
He holds a degree in Information Technology with an extended major in Information Systems and has acquired multiple post-degree technology and executive certifications.
Tabitha Pearson
Chief People and Transformation Officer
Tabitha joined G8 in October 2020 as Chief People and Transformation Officer. She has over 25 years of experience in People and Culture leadership roles in ASX listed companies, across a number of industries (including Finance, Hospitality and Retail). She is passionate about culture, engagement, capability and transformation.
Tabitha holds a Bachelor Arts majoring in Psychology and Post Graduate Qualification in Human Resources, Industrial Relations and Training. More recently she has completed the AICD Company Directors course.
Sharyn Williams
Chief Financial Officer
Sharyn Williams joined G8 Education in February 2017 in the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Sharyn has broad experience in finance and leadership roles with over a decade of ASX-listed experience as CFO and Company Secretary across a number of industry sectors including automotive, education, electrical, wholesale and manufacturing.
Sharyn holds an MBA, Bachelor degrees in Business and Education and is a Fellow CPA and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.
Tracey Wood
Chief Legal, Quality and Risk Officer
Tracey joined G8 Education in May 2018 and has extensive legal, risk management, corporate governance and executive leadership experience, with a proven record of managing significant legal portfolios.
Tracey’s experience covers international mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and capital markets transactions, management of significant litigation matters, compliance, enterprise risk management and insurance, including 10 years with ASX listed Billabong International Limited where she held the position of General Counsel & Company Secretary.
She holds a Master of Laws (with High Distinction), Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (Hons) degrees and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance.