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 organisations across India, Hong Kong, USA, Belgium, Sweden, The Netherlands, Oman and UAE.

She is the CEO of Innoventures Education, 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 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 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, growing business.

He is a vastly experienced executive education leader  who works with the CEO and school teams to drive forward the group’s performance agenda and secure the highest quality outcomes 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. 

Tim took over as the Principal of Raffles World Academy in 2016.  He has held leadership positions in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Notably, at The Prague British School, one of few schools in the EU to be rated as “Outstanding” by the BSO and a member of the Headmaster and Headmistresses Council (HMC).

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. Tim’s vision has turned Raffles World Academy into a thriving IB World School, with a true sense of community spirit and values.

Ian is a school Principal with a 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 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 member 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 to ensure effective use of technology systems for teaching and learning.

Matthew is an accomplished educational leader with a wealth of experience in ‘Outstanding’ schools both in the UK and here in Dubai. As Principal of Raffles International School, he brings a vision rooted in excellence, strong character education and positive wellbeing, guiding students and staff alike towards a culture of high achievement and resilience.

In addition to his bachelor’s degree and Qualified Teacher Status, Matthew holds an MA in Educational Leadership from the prestigious University of Bath, UK, alongside the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). With almost 20 years experience in education, Matthew held previous roles including Head of School and Director of Wellbeing – a topic Matthew is particularly passionate about. He is a qualified school inspector and utlises this knowledge to further support developments at RIS.

Matthew’s approach to education is both strategic and empathetic, ensuring that Raffles International School stands out as a place where students feel supported, empowered, and fully prepared for their exciting futures.

Matthew is joined in Dubai by his wife and two sons; they enjoy travel, reading and sporting pastimes together as a family.

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.

Honoured with the Royal award and acknowledgment by HH Hamdan bin Mohammed Order of Merit for Best Sports Education School, Mihail Kouzev brings over 23 years of experience fostering and promoting the values of Sport and Lifelong Learning. With a degree in Physical Education and Sport and a Master’s in Sports Studies from the National Academy of Sports, Mihail has a rich background as a former National Team professional athlete, including being a 5-time National Champion in Modern Pentathlon and a past UAE Triathlon Champion.

Since joining Innoventures Education two decades ago, Mihail has been unwavering in his dedication to inspiring young people, transforming Physical and Health Education curricula, and elevating the sports culture across schools, creating lasting impact through his innovative leadership. He strives to inspire students, teachers, and the community with his Passion for Sport, Health, and Wellbeing.

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