Two high-ranking executives at a nationwide childcare organization have stepped down following multiple sexual abuse allegations against former Melbourne childcare employee Joshua Brown.

Affinity Education Group has announced that both Chief Executive Tim Hickey and Chief Operating Officer Nishad Alani have vacated their positions and departed the company.

Glen Hurley, previously a senior advisor specializing in compliance and quality, has been named the new chief executive, effective immediately.

”Mr Hurley brings deep experience and strong operational insight and will smoothly transition into this new role having already worked closely with many of our teams,” an Affinity Education Group spokesperson said.

“He has 25 years of experience in the aged care sector in an array of senior executive roles and has also served as a senior regulator.”

Nicola Page has also joined Affinity as chief compliance and risk officer.

Affinity’s human relations boss Rolanda Mitchell also stepped down recently.

Affinity Education runs 250 childcare centres across the country and is the umbrella company for brands such as Milestones and Kids Academy.

Affinity also operates centres where accused child sexual abuser Brown worked.

Brown is facing more than 70 charges, including child rape. He has not entered a plea.

“Affinity remains deeply committed to providing safe, high-quality care to the families across our entire network and supporting our dedicated, professional team who nurture and educate the children in their care with compassion and integrity,” an Affinity spokesperson added.

The company previously promised to make sweeping changes at centres after Brown was charged, including fast-tracked CCTV installation and giving parents toilet time preferences.

In an earlier statement, Affinity Education said it has a “zero tolerance approach to any form of abuse or misconduct involving children”.

“We are deeply sorry for the distress this is causing our families – no family should have to go through this,” the spokesperson said.

“We are committed to supporting every family impacted whilst continuing to cooperate fully with the authorities as the investigation continues.”