Leadership Team
Meet the people guiding The Institute of Leadership. Our leadership team brings together diverse expertise, experience, and vision, driving innovation and excellence across every aspect of our organisation. Learn more about the individuals shaping our strategy, inspiring our members, and championing leadership development worldwide.
John is our CEO, working closely with our Board and all the members of our team to support us in fulfilling our mission. He has worked in many leadership roles across the world and enjoys supporting other leaders to achieve their best. John did his MBA at Northumbria University, and spends most of his spare time running (slowly), reading, writing, and collecting antique Chinese Government bonds. Yes, really.
John’s motto is “We are what we share”.
With over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing within the hotel, hospitality and events industries, Rebecca has a keen eye for creating impactful experiences that drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction.
Gent is our Head of Insights and a mixed-methods specialist dedicated to making complex information accessible and actionable. With 15 years of experience spanning advanced analytics, behavioural science, and multi-disciplinary research, he has led teams in corporate, not-for-profit, and academic settings across multiple regions. He holds a PhD in Organisational Behaviour and Design from Warwick Business School and has a keen interest in how and why organisational learning and leadership behaviour are distinctive features of successful businesses.
Cassandra is our Head of HR and currently seconded to the Senior Leadership Team, where she plays a key role in shaping our people strategy and culture. Since joining the Institute, she has progressed from HR Coordinator to her current role, bringing nearly 20 years of HR experience, alongside broader expertise in finance, administration, and operations.
Her career spans both commercial and not-for-profit sectors, including global automotive and engineering organisations. This diverse background gives Cassandra a unique perspective on building inclusive, high-performing workplaces.
CIPD-qualified and passionate about early resolution, wellbeing, and developing new ways of working, she leads initiatives that foster collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. She’s known for her thoughtful approach, strong organisational skills, and commitment to creating environments where people feel supported and empowered.
Outside of work, Cassandra has a keen interest and qualification in clinical nutrition and enjoys exploring the connection between wellbeing and performance.
John is our CEO, working closely with our Board and all the members of our team to support us in fulfilling our mission. He has worked in many leadership roles across the world and enjoys supporting other leaders to achieve their best. John did his MBA at Northumbria University, and spends most of his spare time running (slowly), reading, writing, and collecting antique Chinese Government bonds. Yes, really.
John’s motto is “We are what we share”.
With over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing within the hotel, hospitality and events industries, Rebecca has a keen eye for creating impactful experiences that drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction.
Gent is our Head of Insights and a mixed-methods specialist dedicated to making complex information accessible and actionable. With 15 years of experience spanning advanced analytics, behavioural science, and multi-disciplinary research, he has led teams in corporate, not-for-profit, and academic settings across multiple regions. He holds a PhD in Organisational Behaviour and Design from Warwick Business School and has a keen interest in how and why organisational learning and leadership behaviour are distinctive features of successful businesses.
Cassandra is our Head of HR and currently seconded to the Senior Leadership Team, where she plays a key role in shaping our people strategy and culture. Since joining the Institute, she has progressed from HR Coordinator to her current role, bringing nearly 20 years of HR experience, alongside broader expertise in finance, administration, and operations.
Her career spans both commercial and not-for-profit sectors, including global automotive and engineering organisations. This diverse background gives Cassandra a unique perspective on building inclusive, high-performing workplaces.
CIPD-qualified and passionate about early resolution, wellbeing, and developing new ways of working, she leads initiatives that foster collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. She’s known for her thoughtful approach, strong organisational skills, and commitment to creating environments where people feel supported and empowered.
Outside of work, Cassandra has a keen interest and qualification in clinical nutrition and enjoys exploring the connection between wellbeing and performance.
Expertise in supporting training provider organisations.
Charlotte works in our Business Development Team, alongside Jerome and Laura. With previous experience leading a high-performing national sales team for an international academic higher education publisher, Charlotte is here to help you enhance leadership capability with her thoughtful, impact-driven approach.
Laura works in our Business Development Team, alongside Jerome and Charlotte. With extensive experience in client acquisition, relationship management, and market expansion across the UK, North America, LATAM, DACH, and Benelux regions, Laura brings a global perspective and deep commercial insight to her work. She is passionate about helping organisations unlock leadership potential and achieve lasting impact through meaningful partnerships.
Expertise in supporting training provider organisations.
Charlotte works in our Business Development Team, alongside Jerome and Laura. With previous experience leading a high-performing national sales team for an international academic higher education publisher, Charlotte is here to help you enhance leadership capability with her thoughtful, impact-driven approach.
Laura works in our Business Development Team, alongside Jerome and Charlotte. With extensive experience in client acquisition, relationship management, and market expansion across the UK, North America, LATAM, DACH, and Benelux regions, Laura brings a global perspective and deep commercial insight to her work. She is passionate about helping organisations unlock leadership potential and achieve lasting impact through meaningful partnerships.
With over 17 years in the hospitality industry, Karen curates captivating events that enhance the member experience, including virtual events like our Meet the Author, Members Masterclass series and amazing live events like Leadership Live and The Leadership Awards.
With more than a decade of content marketing experience, Ciara is driven by a passion for storytelling that inspires and connects. She plays a key role in coordinating EDGE Magazine, our members’ publication that gives voice to the community and shines a spotlight on members’ stories and successes.
With over 17 years in the hospitality industry, Karen curates captivating events that enhance the member experience, including virtual events like our Meet the Author, Members Masterclass series and amazing live events like Leadership Live and The Leadership Awards.
With more than a decade of content marketing experience, Ciara is driven by a passion for storytelling that inspires and connects. She plays a key role in coordinating EDGE Magazine, our members’ publication that gives voice to the community and shines a spotlight on members’ stories and successes.
