Better schools.
Stronger communities.
Brighter futures.

Robert Tarn’s exceptional leadership has had a transformative impact on countless students in more than 50 schools as a Principal, Executive Principal, and Chief Executive. His deep commitment to improving schools and changing students’ lives aligns perfectly with GSM’s mission to provide life-changing education to as many children as possible. He was made CBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list for his outstanding services to school education.

Sir Nick Gibb is a globally respected education leader and former UK Minister of State for Schools, with over 20 years of experience shaping policy and raising standards. Now a Special Advisor to GEMS, he brings deep expertise in curriculum, pedagogy, and school reform to support world-class learning across international contexts.

Tobias is Chief Financial Officer of GEMS School Management. He brings over 20 years of international experience across finance and operations in complex, multi-site environments. His focus is on building clear financial structures, governance, and commercial discipline that support sustainable growth. At GEMS, he works closely with education and operational teams to ensure financial frameworks enable high-quality delivery and long-term value creation.

Sherihan Khalil is a Senior Executive driving global business development and project management for a premier education partner to investors, developers, and governments. Leveraging 20 years of experience
and the company's 65-year legacy,
she architects scalable ventures that transform educational access and quality—from launching new, financially sustainable schools to optimising academic performance
and enrollment for existing
institutions worldwide.

A strategist at the intersection of investment, policy, and implementation, she has led high-stakes initiatives across the Middle East, South Asia, and the United States. Renowned as a trusted advisor, Sherihan combines strategic rigor with on-the-ground expertise to deliver resilient, equitable, and margin-protecting outcomes for partners, having optimised $100M+ in funds and designed systems impacting millions of beneficiaries. She holds a Master’s in Education from Long Island University.

Sabina Ragalie is a dedicated Executive Assistant with a proven track record of supporting senior leadership in achieving strategic objectives. She specialises in making things run smoothly whether it’s managing complex calendars, coordinating high-level meetings, or ensuring every detail is taken care of. Sabina takes pride in being proactive and reliable so that the people she supports can focus on what matters most: strategy and growth.

Amanda Staveley was Harper’s Bazaar UK Businesswoman of the Year in 2009 and named by Investors Chronicle in 2011 as one of the 150 most influential people in international markets. She led the acquisition of Newcastle United Football Club by the Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports and Media, served on the club’s Board of Directors and the Premier League’s Boards, including RAFF, and was Co-CEO, helping rebuild the Executive team.

Dame Amanda Spielman, who served as Chief Inspector for the English independent inspectorate of schools over the course of seven distinguished years from 2017 to 2023, brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise across all aspects of education, making her one of the most respected educationalists and school strategists globally.

Lord Hague of Richmond has had a distinguished career in politics, business, and public service. He served as MP for Richmond, Secretary of State for Wales, Foreign Secretary, and Leader of the Conservative Party, championing major initiatives including the Disability Discrimination Act and international peace efforts. Since leaving Parliament, he has held leadership roles in business, charity, and conservation, and in February 2025 became Chancellor of the University of Oxford, continuing his global influence in education, policy, and governance.

Lord Coe brings vast global experience in elite sport, performance, youth development and well-being. He was former Chair of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee, and current President of World Athletics. He is also a former UK Member of Parliament and House of Lords.

Nile Rodgers, Rock & Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and multiple Grammy winner, co-founded CHIC, creating global hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times” and producing for Bowie, Madonna, and Beyoncé. He’s Apple Music’s first Producer in Residence, Chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and co-founder of the We Are Family Foundation, empowering youth worldwide.

Ryden Aranjo is Vice President – Commercial, Growth & Business Planning at GEMS Education and leads the commercial and investment function of GEMS School Management. With over 15 years’ experience across investments, strategy, and corporate finance, he has helped GEMS expand its footprint and unlock significant value creation through growth. Ryden specialises in market research, financial feasibility, school positioning, pricing strategy, capital efficiency, and portfolio growth, working closely with investors and operators to translate education strategy into commercially successful and scalable institutions.

She brings a strong cross-sector background spanning education leadership, safeguarding, and corporate management. Nedaa holds a degree in English Language and Literature from Damascus University and an MBA from the University of Hull. She began her career as a senior manager with BMW in the Middle East before transitioning into the education sector in the UK.

Prior to joining GEMS, Nedaa held senior leadership roles at a leading boarding and day sixth-form college in the City of London. She served as Head of Safeguarding and Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), where she led safeguarding strategy, compliance, and multi-agency partnerships. In parallel, she led the GCSE department for 19 years, overseeing both academic and pastoral provision for Year 10 and Year 11 students. During her tenure, she played a key role in multiple Ofsted and ISI inspections, contributing to the college achieving an Outstanding rating.

Nedaa continues to contribute to the UK safeguarding sector as a member of a national safeguarding editorial panel. She also played an instrumental role in the development of a safeguarding app now widely used across schools nationwide.

In her current role, she focuses on building strategic partnerships, supporting market entry, and developing sustainable education models aligned with regional priorities and long-term growth.

As founder and CEO of Astana International Garden School, he delivered an $11 million greenfield K–12 campus and scaled enrolment from 40 to 800 students, securing a Forbes Kazakhstan Top-10 ranking before a successful exit. He is also founder of Hyperion, an international boys’ boarding school based in Kazakhstan, and has advised leading private schools across the country on academic and commercial performance.

Nurmukhammed’s public-sector experience spans both municipal and national levels: he served as Deputy Head of the Education Department for the City of Shymkent, as Independent Director of JSC Bolashak — Kazakhstan’s national scholarship operator — and as a member of the Public Council of the Ministry of Education. He holds an MPhil in Education from the University of Cambridge.