IDP Education Names Tracey Horton AO as New Chair in Strategic Leadership Shift
IDP Education Limited announces the appointment of Tracey Horton AO as Chair, succeeding Peter Polson after an 18-year tenure. This leadership change marks a key milestone in the company’s ongoing board renewal.
- Tracey Horton AO appointed Chair effective 16 June 2025
- Peter Polson retires after 18 years as Chair
- Board renewal includes three new directors since 2022
- Horton brings extensive governance and education sector experience
- IDP maintains strong position in international education services
Leadership Transition at IDP Education
IDP Education Limited (ASX: IEL), a global leader in international education services, has announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Tracey Horton AO as its new Chair. Ms Horton will take over from Peter Polson, who is retiring after an 18-year tenure that included guiding the company through its 2015 ASX listing and substantial growth in the sector.
This change is part of a carefully planned board renewal process, which has seen the addition of three new directors since 2022. The succession was overseen by IDP’s Nomination Committee and supported by a leading board advisory firm, underscoring the company’s commitment to strong governance and strategic continuity.
A Chair with Deep Sector and Governance Expertise
Tracey Horton brings a wealth of experience to her new role, combining executive and board leadership across corporate strategy, international operations, and the education industry. Since joining IDP’s board in 2022, she has chaired the Remuneration Committee and contributed to the Nomination Committee. Her prior roles include Chair of Navitas, another prominent ASX-listed education company, and directorships at GPT Group, IMDEX, and Bhagwan Marine.
Her appointment signals a continuation of IDP’s strategic focus on leveraging its human expertise and digital technology to support international students. Ms Horton expressed confidence in the company’s clear vision and experienced management team, led by CEO Tennealle O’Shannessy, to navigate current market challenges and seize future opportunities.
Reflecting on a Legacy and Looking Ahead
Peter Polson’s departure marks the end of an era. Having chaired the board since 2007, he played a pivotal role in shaping IDP into a globally recognised leader in international education services. His leadership helped hundreds of thousands of students access education opportunities worldwide, a legacy that the company aims to build upon under Ms Horton’s stewardship.
With operations spanning over 35 countries and partnerships with nearly 900 universities and institutions across key English-speaking markets, IDP remains well positioned in a sector with compelling long-term fundamentals. The leadership change comes at a time when international education is rebounding and evolving, making governance and strategic agility more critical than ever.
Bottom Line?
As Tracey Horton steps into the Chair role, investors will watch closely for how IDP leverages this leadership renewal to sustain growth amid evolving global education trends.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Tracey Horton’s leadership style influence IDP’s strategic priorities?
- What impact might this board renewal have on IDP’s operational agility and innovation?
- Will the leadership change affect IDP’s positioning in key international markets?
