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Today (2 Sept), the UK’s biggest home learning support provider, Exemplar Education, has announced the appointment of two senior members of staff as the company’s record growth continues, with 400,000 children already registered on Exemplar Education programmes in the UK.
Wayne Merris, appointed Head of Marketing brings 20 years of international marketing experience. Andrew Hobbs, appointed Chief Operating Officer has played a major role in the growth of the company where he has worked at Exemplar Education for over 11 years.
Announcing the appointment of Dr Andrew Hobbs as new Chief Operating Officer, Group Chairman Anthony Lee, says:
“We are in a truly exciting time here at Exemplar Education. With Andrew as Chief Operating Officer, we will be able to continue our growth and success as we work to support young people’s learning across the country.”
“From his role as Head of Marketing Andrew has an inside out knowledge of the company, parents, children and schools and will undoubtedly play a key role. I am really excited to have Andrew as our new Chief Operating Officer. Having been at Exemplar Education for 11 years and The Open University before that, I believe he has the great experience and brings invaluable insight on how to grow Exemplar Education into one of the most successful learning support companies in the world.”
Andrew will be responsible for managing all operational process improvements across the group including customer care development, HR policy and development, buildings and insurance management, health & safety, compliance and GDPR and reporting.
Prior to his career at Exemplar Education, Andrew Hobbs founded his own strategic marketing consultancy Hobbs on Choice Ltd in 2005, working with SMEs, private companies and non-profit organisations including RNIB and Yellow Pages. From 2000 to 2005, Andrew was the Marketing & Customer Development Director of The Open University and Director of Media and Applications Marketing at Royal Mail prior to that.
Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role, having worked at Exemplar Education for over 11 years. He is currently Company Secretary and Main Board Director and will retain these responsibilities as he moves into his new role.
On his new appointment Andrew said:
“My career has been dedicated to giving children the best education possible and I am passionate in helping to ensure that every child deserves the opportunity to be the best they can be. Exemplar Education gives this option to many who could not otherwise access extra help, and I am extremely proud to continue my journey with them.”
Exemplar Education has appointed Wayne Merris as their new Head of Marketing, taking over the marketing team from Andrew Hobbs who is moving to Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Wayne will be responsible for the full marketing function, including day-to-day lead generation, social media, SEO and PR at an exciting stage in the company’s growth.
Before joining Exemplar Education, Wayne spent 6 years as Head of Marketing for a major South African telco, Cell C, where he led substantial growth in consumer brand consideration in the sector. Prior to that, he was Group Marketing Manager at Pernod Ricard South Africa, responsible for their Scotch Whisky portfolio, spearheading exponential volume growth on their Global Icon brand, Chivas Regal.
Wayne’s promotion will see him join the Senior Management Team, bringing with him a wealth of marketing experience, particularly in the area of strategic brand positioning. He has been recognised with countless marketing awards over the course of his career, including the 2012 Pernod Ricard European Premier Marketing Award, the 2015 Discovery Sports Industry Best New Sponsorship Award and several 2017 New Generation Digital Marketing Awards, for the categories of Most Innovative Social Media Campaign, Most Innovative use of Social Media and Social Media Brand of the year.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and Environmental & Geographical Science, as well as a Digital Marketing & Digital Communication Qualification.
On his appointment, Wayne says:
“Exemplar Education is a truly exciting company and the growth and success we have achieved in the past is down to not only a fundamentally great product, but an amazing team. I am excited to be leading the marketing team in continuing the success that Exemplar Education has achieved thus far.”
New Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Hobbs adds:
“Wayne’s experience is next to none and the results he has achieved in his previous companies speak for themselves. Exemplar Education is passionate about supporting children in their learning and I believe Wayne is the perfect person to help us do that. With education continuing to be at the forefront of national conversations, Exemplar Education helps ensure children have the access and opportunity to be the best they can. Wayne’s expertise in marketing will be invaluable to Exemplar Education, helping parents shape their children’s future.”
“I can think of no one more capable to take charge of the marketing department than Wayne. With his extensive experience in marketing, I am positive we are equipped to respond effectively to the current market and commercial challenges. Our team is now stronger than ever and we are in the best position to help children with their learning, which is what Exemplar Education is all about.”
