Child Care Centre Management Team

Board of Directors

Tom Hardwick
Chief Executive Officer

Tom is responsible for the group's general corporate strategy as well as the growth of the business through acquisitions.Tom founded Guardian Childcare Alliance with Anthony Smith in 2004, and was actively involved in steering the business through its early stages of growth, while acquiring its initial portfolio of centres.

Anthony Smith
Chief Operating Officer

Anthony commenced his career in the hospitality industry and rapidly gained a reputation for professionalism and a "can do" approach, reaching the level of National Operations Manager for an Australian hotel company.

After related roles in IT, medical services and with a big 4 accounting firm, Anthony was again drawn toward an operational role in a true service and people industry that influences so many young Australian lives. Following a role as a senior manager with a major Australian childcare group, Anthony saw the need to provide exceptional service to centre owners and early childhood educators..

Over the years, Guardian Childcare Alliance has built a reputation as one of the best childcare centre management companies in Australia. Our childcare centres thrive on the quality of our childcare services systems, our people and our ability to deliver a caring and nurturing environment for children in our care. Guardian also offers childcare consultants to assist current day care centre owners or prospective investors with childcare centre management advice. And if you would like to join the Guardian team, check out our dedicated child care jobs and careers website.