The Board includes the owners and an independent member. The Board is involved in all strategic areas including the school’s philosophy and objectives, policies, appointment and review of the leadership team, managing key relationships, ensuring quality infrastructure, resources and financial stability.

Poonam Bhojani - Chief Executive Officer

Poonam is an Economics Honours Graduate with an MBA from India's premier business school, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

Prior to envisioning and cofounding Dubai International Academy, Poonam has had significant industry experience working on leading edge technology solutions with a range of organizations across India, Hong Kong, USA, Belgium, Sweden, The Netherlands, Oman and UAE.

She is the CEO of Innoventures Education and has served as the President of the Middle East IB Association of Schools and is the Secretary of the Dubai Private Schools Group.

Michael Stephen - Director of Finance & Administration

Michael Stephen is a Chartered Accountant and has a Diploma in Portfolio Management with over 20 years’ experience in consulting and industry. He was part of the core team of Innoventures Education that set up Dubai International Academy. Michael started his career in an accounting firm focused on audit, tax, corporate law, and business and investment advisory services.

He enjoys business and financial modelling to develop new business ideas, building key relationships, and the challenge of establishing new projects. In 2005, he cofounded Eternus Foundation in Chennai which provides education and health cover to children.

Michael is a Fellow of the Association of International Accountants, UK and has been on the faculty of a business school in Dubai.

James Roberts - Director of Standards and Head of School Development Unit

James has over 20 years of senior leadership experience across a diverse range of schools and educational organisations. He was previously CEO of one of the largest education services companies in the UK, leading the initial launch and establishment of this company as a profitable, going concern. He is a vastly experienced executive education leader and Principal who works with the CEO and school teams to drive forward the group’s performance agenda and secure the highest quality education for every student. As well as a degree in Biochemistry, James has a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management, along with the National Professional Qualification for Headship. He firmly believes in unlocking the potential of every child academically, personally and socially through a continuous and relentless drive for sustained improvement in the quality of education.

Timothy Craig Roberts - Principal, Raffles World Academy

Tim took over as the Principal of Raffles World Academy in 2016.  He has held leadership positions in the Middle East, Europe and most recently in Abuja, Nigeria.

A graduate in Business Education and Information Technology, Tim also has a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management.  He brings with him extensive experience as a Teacher, Head of School and as an inspector of schools.

Ian Thurston - Principal, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

Ian is a school Principal with a demonstrated history of outstanding leadership in education. An Economics graduate of the University of Sheffield, UK, and NPQH from UCL, he began teaching Secondary Mathematics in 2003. Ian has been living in Dubai since 2007, holding various leadership positions since 2014, including Deputy Head, Head of Secondary and now School Principal. He is passionate about wellbeing and staff development. Vastly knowledgeable about IB education and global university placements, Ian has shared this experience at conferences for the IB and UCAS. Ian is a father of two and he believes in positivity, leading a fun-filled life, enjoying camping and triathlons.

Hitesh Bhagat - Principal, Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills

Hitesh has been with the school for 17 years and is the Principal since 2022. An engineering graduate in Computer Science, Hitesh also has a Master of Philosophy in Computer Management.  He brings with him extensive experience as a Teacher, Middle leader, and part of the Senior Management Team. In 2014, he took up the role of Group Head of Educational Technology for Innoventures Education and consolidates the efforts across the Group’s schools for effective use of technology systems for teaching and learning.

Steven Giles - Principal, Raffles International School

Steve has worked at Innoventures Education since September 2019 firstly as head teacher in Raffles World Academy and now as Principal at Raffles International School. A graduate from the University of Exeter, Steve has a Bachelor of Education a Master of Education and the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH). He has been in school leadership since 2008 including working in an Outstanding school in the United Kingdom for 16 years. Steve brings a wealth of experience to the group and has acted as a consultant in many schools in the South-West of England.

Jonathan Cox - Principal, Collegiate International School

Jonathan joined Innoventures Education in August 2022 and took over as Principal of Collegiate International School in August 2023. He holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in English Literature from King's College, London. He has extensive experience both in international school leadership across South-East Asia, the US and the Middle East and as a Managing Director in Corporate Training businesses.

Mihail Kouzev - Director of Sports and Activities

Mihail has spent more than 20 years in the fields of Sports and Physical Education. A graduate in Physical Education and Sport, he also has a Masters in Sports Studies from the National Academy of Sports in Bulgaria.

A former professional athlete, 5 time national champion of Modern Pentathlon and UAE Triathlon Champion in the past.  Mihail joined Innoventures Education more than a decade ago and has been devoted to inspiring young people, teaching and developing the PE curriculum and sports culture.

He is currently pursuing a PhD Degree with a focus on sport in international education, curriculum development and students’ wellbeing.