Mike McKechnie, aged 39, was previously chief operating officer of Welcome Break and prior to that was customer operations director of GNER.
Jigsaw chairman Les Cullen said, 'Mike is ideally suited to leading the company through the next vital stage of its development. He has considerable experience of developing and improving customer-focused "people" businesses and has an excellent understanding of the expectations of our staff, our parents and the children.'
Mr McKechnie said, 'Jigsaw is a tremendous business which will continue to be the benchmark for quality childcare. I am proud to be part of a great people business.'
Jigsaw currently runs 32 purpose-built nurseries and plans to open another four in the next few months. However, the company has plunged into debt as it has expanded.
Previous chief executive and co-founder Tom Shea, who had extensive experience in the childcare and early education field, stepped down as chief executive last August because of ill health. Mr Cullen, who had worked as finance director of blue-chip companies such as Prudential, joined in July.
Last autumn Nursery World reported that Jigsaw, which has been backed by venture capitalists 3i, was looking for refinancing. Mr Cullen said this week that the group was assured of 3i's ongoing support.
He added, 'Mike doesn't have any previous childcare experience; it isn't necessary because the company already has expert childcare practitioners at all levels. This appointment is not connected with the continued support of 3i - Mike was appointed after an extensive search by consultants as a result of Tom Shea's resignation.'
