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Our People
Modern Star Group recognises the importance of fostering a strong team of committed, enthusiastic and talented people who work hard together to deliver quality products, outstanding service and dynamic business results.
Our culture supports and rewards those who excel in their field, take responsibility for their own actions, cultivate a can-do attitude, communicate openly, act with integrity in everything they do and celebrate the success of the team as a whole.
Michael Young
Chief Executive Officer for Tactical Brands
Michael Young has worked at Modern Star since April 2017 after the acquisition of his family business Educational Vantage. Today he is the Chief Executive Officer for Tactical Brands, based in Victoria overseeing Zart Art, Educating Kids and Educational Vantage. Michael has strong strategic leadership skills, with demonstrated experience in driving change and leading in a dynamic, fast paced environment. Prior to joining the Educational Vantage and Modern Star Michael was Head of Advisory at the Commonwealth Bank.
Jim Craddock
Chief Commercial Officer
Jim Craddock has worked at Modern Star since February 1998. Today he is the Chief Commercial Officer with oversight for the product category teams and product compliance. Jim is world-renowned within the education sector for his extensive knowledge of products, suppliers and customers. He has recently joined the board of CCSA (Community Connections Solutions Australia), an organisation which provides support for early childhood education and care solutions.
Henry Foster
General Manager - M&A and Group Strategy
Henry Foster joined Modern Star as General Manager - M&A and Group Strategy in 2021. He has 16 years of experience in investment banking and corporate strategy. His role is to identify and execute both organic and M&A-led growth opportunities across Australia and New Zealand. Henry adopts a highly analytical approach and focuses on data-driven decisions to maximise business performance.
Rob Davis
Chief Financial Officer
Rob Davis is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and has been Chief Financial Officer of Modern Star for 14 years. He is a highly experienced finance professional with a wealth of industry knowledge in the education sector.
Mal McHutchison
Chief Executive Officer
Mal McHutchison joined Modern Star as Chief Executive Officer in 2021. He has over 25 years' experience leading organisations in the technology, finance, education and services sectors combined with a notable track record growing businesses. Prior to his appointment at Modern Star, he was the Chief Executive of Interactive, one of Australia's largest IT services companies and recognised in 2020 as Australia's #1 "Great Place to Work". Mal is also a Non-Executive Director on the board of Judo Bank, a bank specialising in supporting Australian SME's.
Matthew Arecco
Chief Operating Officer
Matthew Arecco has worked with Modern Star since April 2007. Over the past 12 years he has worked his way up through various roles including customer service, credit management and operations management. For the past 4 years he has been Chief Operating Officer of the group overseeing warehouse operations, inventory planning, customer service, IT and design.
Tim Clarke
Sales & Marketing General Manager
Tim Clarke has been the General Manager of Modern Brands since 2005. Prior to this he worked for Hasbro UK and Hasbro Australia heading up marketing, then sales then business development. He is a Director of the Australian Toy Association Limited with over 25 years experience in the toy industry sector.
Gab Chambers
Group HR and WHS Manager
Gab Chambers has been the Group HR and WHS Manager at Modern Star for 12 years, during which time she has seen the number of employees at the company double. Prior to Modern Star, Gab held HR roles at Dow Chemicals and SGS.