Novi, Mich., Sept. 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Learning Care Group, Inc. announces today that Douglas R. Baker is joining the organization as Chief Financial Officer, effective Sept. 29, 2017. Learning Care Group is the second largest for-profit early education and care provider in North America, operating more than 900 schools in 36 states, the District of Columbia and internationally.
Baker will lead Learning Care Group’s Finance, IT and Real Estate functions in addition to its strategic growth initiatives as the company furthers its leadership role among childcare providers through educational excellence and outstanding customer service.
“We look forward to adding Doug Baker’s expertise to LCG’s executive team as we begin our next chapter of growth,” said Barbara Beck, CEO at Learning Care Group. “Doug’s transformational thinking and extensive financial skills have guided breakthrough performances in multiple industries. His deep business acumen and unique perspective will be incredible assets for LCG as we further invest in our schools and leverage innovation to prepare our youngest learners for future success.”
Baker succeeds Mark Bierley, who held the CFO role since May 2012 and maintained interim CFO responsibilities after being named President and Chief Operating Officer at the beginning of the company’s 2017 fiscal year. He will report to Learning Care Group CEO Barbara Beck.
Baker joins Learning Care Group with more than 25 years of leadership experience as a global senior finance and operating executive. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Discovery Networks International (DNI), a division of Discovery Communications. He joined Discovery Communications in 2005 as Senior Vice President and CFO for Discovery Commerce. He went on to serve as Senior Vice President and CFO for Emerging Networks, New Media and Business Development and as Executive Vice President and CFO for DNI before assuming his most recent role. Prior to that, Baker served in a variety of financial, operating and strategic leadership roles within Hallmark Cards and The Picture People, a strategic retail venture of Hallmark.
Baker earned an MBA in Operations Management from the University of Missouri – Kansas City and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Miami University (Ohio).
“I’m very pleased to be joining the executive team at Learning Care Group during this time of unprecedented growth for the company,” said Baker. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for innovation to further enhance the company’s financial performance and deliver outstanding care for the families we serve.”
About Learning Care Group
Learning Care Group is a leader in early childhood education, with nearly 50 years of experience in inspiring children to love learning. Headquartered in Novi, Mich., the company provides early education and care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years through seven unique brands: The Children’s Courtyard, Childtime Learning Centers, Creative Kids Learning Centers, Everbrook Academy, La Petite Academy, Montessori Unlimited, and Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Centers. It operates more than 900 schools (corporate and franchise) across 36 states, the District of Columbia and internationally, and has a capacity to serve more than 130,000 children. Learning Care Group’s proprietary School Readiness Pathway supports the development of the academic and social skills needed for a smooth transition to elementary school. For more information, please visit www.learningcaregroup.com
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