Our board

Rich is the Chief Financial Officer of New York financial tech firm Beacon Platform, following a 20-year trading career in the City. He has two young daughters, has been a primary school governor and supports Ambition as Board Chair and Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee.

Rich says, “Ambition has a committed, skilled and passionate management team working across the education system. For me, it is a great opportunity to support teachers, school leaders and therefore disadvantaged children.”

“This is an exciting time for Ambition with the scaling up of the Early Career Framework and NPQs, giving us the opportunity to reach many more teachers and leaders."

Sam is Senior Adviser at Ark and a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. Prior to this, he led Ark’s Education Partnership Group (EPG), was an Executive Director at Teach First and was a senior policy adviser to the Secretary of State for Education. He is also a governor of Woodside High School in Tottenham and a board member of the Holocaust Educational Trust and the Teacher Development Trust.

Sam says, “Ambition’s innovative programmes, and their focus on areas of disadvantage, help teachers and leaders across the country improve their practice, which is critical to developing a high-quality education system in which all young people can thrive.”

Cecilia is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Hyve Dynamics and the founder of Tech Women Today. Her 20-year career in banking and technology spanned senior positions with major Wall Street firms before she became COO of Citigroup Markets and Securities Services Technology. Cecilia is passionate about fostering diversity and catalysing innovation and inclusive thought in the landscape of technology.

Cecilia says, “Ambition Institute exemplifies dedication to excellence in education. It is a privilege to support Ambition’s vision of an education system where every child can thrive, no matter what their background.”

Celia is Head of Global Learning & Development, responsible for supporting people’s ability to grow and reach their potential across Chanel. She brings over twenty years’ experience in leadership development spanning luxury retail, oil & gas, financial services, consumer products, telecommunications and pharmaceutical sectors.

Celia says, “As a trustee I can bring my expertise to a great cause, supporting Ambition’s mission and impact. It’s also an opportunity for me to work with the diverse and passionate people that make up Ambition. Diversity is a critical part of great leadership.”

Ian has been in the financial profession for over 35 years and is the CEO of Credit Suisse UK. Ian has a passion for education (his mother was a teacher) and helping disadvantaged children through involvement in charities.

Ian says: “For me, being involved with Ambition is about supporting an organisation which is at the forefront of helping educators at all levels improve the education and life chances of disadvantaged children.”

James is Chief Learning Officer and Global Head of Talent Development at Goldman Sachs. Prior to this, he worked in numerous senior roles in leadership and organisational development. He comes from a family of teachers, and is chair of the People Committee of the board of Ambition.

James says, “Ambition’s mission is powerful and vital because learning is critical for social mobility and teachers are critical for learning. We all benefit when every child thrives.”

Jo leads a growing multi academy trust of 26 schools in the Midlands and North West. Prior to this, Jo led three secondary schools, worked within a Local Authority, was Ofsted’s Regional Director for the North West and National Director of ITE, and held the status of Her Majesty’s Inspector.

Jo says, “For over 25 years, I have been privileged to lead teams of excellent teachers and senior leaders who have worked innovatively and tirelessly to provide the best possible teaching and learning to students. This should be the norm, not the exception; an excellent education in a supportive environment is what every student deserves.”

Jon is CFO for N Family Club, a provider of high quality Early Years education in London and the Home Counties. Originally a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse, he has worked in senior finance positions for companies such as BT, Turtle Bay Restaurants and Pret a Manger.

Jon says: “I was fortunate to have a good education which opened up life and career opportunities for me. I feel strongly that all children should have such opportunities, and Ambition plays an important role in enabling great schools and teachers to provide this.”

Rachna’s work at The Walt Disney Company covers Reward across 25+ countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with her remit expanding into diversity and inclusion. She is also treasurer for the Global Girl Project, which mobilises socially-minded and community-driven young women from developing countries to become leaders.

Rachna says, “Teachers and school leaders have a such an influence on future generations, and Ambition’s passion and commitment is to ensure they are equipped and supported to do this for all children no matter their background.”

Rebecca is the CEO of one of the largest trusts in the country, serving more than 33,000 children in 58 schools across primary, secondary and special phases. Rebecca’s previous roles include Director of Secondary Education at Ark, Regional Schools Commissioner for the South West and a secondary headteacher in Bristol.

Rebecca says, "Nothing is more important to a child's education than the quality of the teachers and school leaders they encounter during their time at school. I am proud to be part of an organisation which is committed to investing in the talent and capacity of teachers and leaders throughout their careers, so that they can have the biggest impact in the schools and communities that need them most."