Bristol-based Mama Bear’s Day Nursery & Pre-School group, which cares for more than 2,000 children across the South West, has appointed a new managing director as it enters a new chapter.
Chris Marston, pictured, who joined the group last year as commercial director, will now focus on the day-to-day running of the group as managing director. 
He has almost a decade’s experience in the education sector and significant commercial and management expertise running multi-site teams.
Mama Bear’s was founded in 2002 and provides childcare for children aged three months to five years across 16 sites in Bristol, five in Devon and three in Somerset.
Chris said he was looking forward to taking the Hanham-headquartered business to the next level.
“Mama Bear’s has an excellent reputation and strong foundations for growth,” he said.
“While I am excited about growing the business, I am conscious that quality childcare at the point of delivery is absolutely the top priority.
“Each individual setting must be looked at as its own business to ensure it continues to provide the right kind of care in the communities we serve.
“Having been with the organisation for the past year I am more than ready to take on the challenge, build on our success and drive Mama Bear’s forward.”
Chris will be supported by outgoing managing director and owner Tony Driffield, who is moving to a new role as chairman.
