The Board of IDP Education Limited (ASX: IEL) today announced that Tracey Horton AO will succeed Peter Polson as Chair, following Mr Polson’s decision to retire from the Board as communicated at the AGM in October 2024. Ms Horton will commence in her role as Chair on 16 June following Mr Polson stepping down from the Board on 15 June.

Ms Horton’s appointment forms part of a well planned board renewal process that has included the appointment of three new directors since 2022. Overseen by IDP’s Nomination Committee, the Chair succession process was also supported by a leading board advisory firm.

Mr Polson was appointed IDP Chair in 2007 and led the Company through its listing on the ASX in 2015, overseeing significant growth to become the leading player in the international education services sector.

Commenting on the announcement, IDP Education Chairman, Peter Polson said:

“It’s been an honour to Chair the Board of IDP over the last 18 years. IDP is a remarkable organisation that has helped hundreds of thousands of people change the course of their lives through access to international education. I leave the business in good hands, with a clear purpose and strategy in an industry with compelling long-term fundamentals.”

Commenting on the announcement, IDP Education Chair-elect, Tracey Horton said:

"On behalf of the Board, I thank Peter for the important role he has played in IDP becoming an internationally recognised sector leader and Australian success story. With a clear vision and strategy and experienced management team, IDP is well placed to navigate current market challenges and take advantage of future opportunities. I look forward to working with the rest of the Board, our CEO, Tennealle O’Shannessy, and our Global Leadership Team to realise the potential of IDP Education.”

Ms Horton has broad experience from her executive and board career across corporate strategy, international operations, finance, governance and the education industry. She has been an independent Non-Executive director of IDP since September 2022 and currently Chairs IDP’s Remuneration Committee and is a member of the Nomination Committee. Ms Horton is a Non-Executive Director of GPT Group Limited (ASX:GPT), IMDEX Limited (ASX:IMD) and Bhagwan Marine Ltd (ASX:BWN).

As an accomplished Chair, Ms Horton has more than a decade’s experience, including as the former Non-Executive Chair of Navitas (ASX:NVT), the previously ASX listed education company. In addition, she has also served as a Non-Executive Director on several other listed company boards, including Automotive Holdings Group (ASX:AHG), Skilled Group (ASX:SKE), and Nearmap (ASX:NEA).

Passionate about supporting Australian organisations to be successful, Ms Horton has also held leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector, including as President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA and Deputy Chair of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Authorised for release by the IDP Education Board.