SPARK Schools appoints Abbey Muller as their very first COO

SPARK Schools – a network of private schools offering affordable, globally competitive education - has announced the appointment of Abbey Muller, the group’s first Chief Operating Officer.

“SPARK Schools is committed to setting the benchmark for how South Africa competes internationally within the education sector. We strive to push the boundaries of education and deliver the greatest possible value and quality. We’re competitive, hungry and enjoy a progressive approach to our work. We want to be a leader in best practices, innovative education models, and systems, and Abbey will play a key strategic role in this approach,” says Stacey Brewer, co-founder and CEO of SPARK Schools.

Abbey’s responsibilities as COO of SPARK Schools will be driving operational excellence and efficiency throughout the school’s extensive network to enable future growth and expansion.

Muller, who has more than a decade’s operational experience with companies such as Nando’s, Yellowwoods and Harambee, has extensive knowledge of implementing and executing strategic initiatives, business planning, innovation, new technology and people management.

Her previous experience and positions include General Manager – Strategy and Insights at Nando's Licensed Markets, Head of People Strategy at Nando's Worldwide Licensing. She was also employed by Yellowwoods Ventures Investments, Harambee, and McKinsey & Company.

“Abbey brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and relevant experience to lead operations at the SPARK Schools Support Office. Abbey will be responsible for the SPARK Schools operations portfolio while contributing to developing our operating model and business strategy,” says Brewer.

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Note to the editor:

SPARK Schools is a network of private schools offering affordable, globally competitive education. Concerned by the state of South African education and committed to finding a solution, Stacey Brewer and Ryan Harrison co-founded SPARK Schools in 2012.  They believed that an innovative approach could disrupt the crisis in South African education and dedicated themselves to creating a new model that would provide access to high-quality education for all.

SPARK Ferndale, the first school in the SPARK Schools network, opened in 2013 in Johannesburg. Since then, the network has expanded to serve more than 14,000 SPARK scholars at 20 schools in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

SPARK Schools' purpose is to build a nation through high-quality, affordable education. They are society shapers, committed to nurturing scholars who are responsible, persistent, and kind and who positively contribute to South Africa's future.

For further information on SPARK Schools visit www.sparkschools.co.za or follow on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF SPARK SCHOOLS BY:ByDesign CommunicationsPalesa Mokitle(010) 593 4509p.mokitle@bdcomms.co.za