Our people

John is the former CEO of Pearson, the world's learning company, where he spearheaded a major digital transformation, bringing its purpose - of empowering people to progress in their lives through learning – alive. Prior to his appointment as CEO, John served as Chief Executive of Pearson’s International operations, working most extensively in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He has also worked in a variety of public policy and communications roles, in global business, local UK government, and the Westminster Parliament. John is now an independent adviser and non-executive director, working with a range of organisations that are changing the future of education and work for good. He also advises companies and teaches in business schools, around the themes of leadership and digital transformation. 

Caroline is currently the Group Finance Director at the Watches of Switzerland Group PLC, where she was helped the Group through its recent IPO. Prior to this she was the Group Financial Controller at Next and has previously held senior Finance roles at Boots.  Caroline started her career in Audit and reached the position of Senior Manager at Ernst & Young, in Australia and UK, before transitioning into the private sector.  Caroline brings a wealth of experience across the full breadth of finance gained through 20 years of practise.  Caroline is also an Ambassador for the Retail Week “Be Inspired” programme, which aims to drive progressive change and equality in the UK retail sector. 

Rod is a principal consultant with INTRAC – a civil society support organisation, based in Oxford. As a consultant, he works on reviews, evaluations, training, facilitation, accompaniment and research for a wide range of organisations across the world. Previously he worked with Concern Worldwide in Cambodia, India, Sudan, and Haiti, in a range of management positions, including three at Country Director level. He has also worked at Save the Children Norway as an adviser covering East Africa and the Horn of Africa, and at Y Care International and Progression as International Programme Director. 

Cleo is a Project Director at DAI and is currently Associate Director Operations for the Centre for Disaster Protection. Cleo has worked on international development for 14 years, including managing large portfolios of donor-funded programmes. Prior to joining DAI, she was Director of Programmes (Coexistence) at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, overseeing innovative programmes aimed at generating evidence on how to build resilience to conflict and extremism. Cleo spent 10 years in the UK civil service, working for the Department for International Development and Cabinet Office in policy and programme roles including overseas in Afghanistan and the DRC. Cleo has a Masters in Development Studies from the University of London, Birkbeck. 

James is a fundraising specialist and entrepreneur who has worked in the sector for over 20 years. He co-founded and still leads two specialist companies that deliver creative, strategic and payment services to charities in the UK and abroad. As well as developing award-winning campaigns for a wide range of household names, James has been a pioneer of mobile fundraising – helping to shape both the technology and regulation that underpin this vital form of giving. In addition to his board position, he also sits on the Advisory Committee for War Child's The Right To Dance initiative. 

Shruti Mehrotra serves as Executive Officer for George Soros and his Open Society Foundations.  At the Foundations, she has led a series of initiatives including the first ever program on global economic policy, a $500 million impact investment commitment, and a new cross-cutting initiative on climate change. Previously, she worked with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair leading the development of his work internationally and served as a Special Advisor to two sitting Heads of State on his behalf. She has also led a number of public-private initiatives, including the World Economic Forum’s inaugural work on climate change and a critical piece of President Obama’s PowerAfrica. Shruti was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar by former Presidents Bill Clinton and G.W. Bush and a Global Leadership Fellow by the World Economic Forum. 

Siobhan is a child protection and safeguarding specialist with 20-plus years of national and international experience. She has had a diverse career working for several different organisations including Barnardo’s, Government Social Services, UNICEF and the British Council. At the British Council, Siobhan established and managed a global child protection/safeguarding function.  

Siobhan is currently an independent consultant and collaborating with GCPS Consulting and Social Development Direct as a senior associate and a registered consultant with the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub. Siobhan has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Nottingham and is a UK licenced social worker with Social Work England. Siobhan has a personal connection to the mission of War Child having grown up in Northern Ireland during the ‘Troubles’ and from also witnessing the impact and legacy of war whilst working with child victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam. 

Maria is a highly awarded member of the creative industries, with 15 years' experience across Global brand and culture marketing. Maria has worked with some of the world's leading brands and now finds herself at the heart of an organisation helping change the shape of the music industry and artist engagement, having joined TikTok in 2020. In her role she leads music marketing and strategic partnerships across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, helping TikTok connect with the industry and the audiences it serves. 

A passionate campaigner for diversity, equality and inclusion, Maria feels strongly that tech and music must use their influence to build and shape a more inclusive future for the industry and is President of Women @ TikTok Europe.

Maria is a member of the Women in Music Roll of Honour - recognised for the longstanding impact made within the music industry. Maria is also part of the shesaid.so Power 100, an accolade awarded in acknowledgement of her work to support the global community of women and gender minorities in the music industry.

Tara is General Counsel, Corporate Risk and Head of Business Integrity at WPP where she advises on legal and regulatory risks, ensures that WPP’s governance promotes an ethically robust work environment and, as a member of WPP's Risk Committee, works with WPP’s management to set and steer risk appetite, monitor and mitigate WPP’s risks. Prior to WPP, Tara was Counsel at Allen & Overy where she worked in London, New York and Bangkok, advising on corporate and commercial matters including governance, restructurings, strategic alliances and cross-border acquisitions and disposals. Tara also works pro bono and projects have included drafting model legislation to facilitate disaster management through the International Federation of the Red Cross and developing finance modules for non-profit organisations through A4ID. Tara has a MSc in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London and a Law degree from Newnham College, Cambridge University.