Premiera Education Group-Baraa

Chief Executive Officer

Baraa Bakkar

Baraa is an accomplished CEO with a diverse range of leadership experience spanning several industries. As the CEO of Premiera Education Group, Baraa plays a crucial role in driving the strategic direction and overall success of the organisation. With a keen understanding of the education sector, and a passion for lifelong learning, Baraa is dedicated to making a positive impact on the education landscape.

 

Baraa integrates his vast experience in education, finance, and investment management to produce tangible results in both academic and financial spheres. With a solid academic foundation, Baraa capably navigates the interplay of education and finance in schools, demonstrating a unique ability to stimulate academic growth while ensuring robust financial returns for investors. This unique blend of fostering academic progress while managing investor expectations underscores his ability to balance multiple priorities effectively.

 

Baraa also holds a pivotal role as the leader of Ihsan International School. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in the school’s transformation into a thriving educational institution. Through his dedication to providing quality education, the school has experienced significant improvements in academic performance, organizational efficiency, and student competency. Baraa’s commitment to excellence has positioned Ihsan International School as a leading educational establishment.

 

Baraa’s own educational journey includes gaining a BSc in Business Administration and an MBA in innovation management and development. His dedication to education and his diverse leadership experiences make him an exceptional CEO of both Premiera Education Group and the wider education community.

Premiera Education Group-Jacques

Chief Finance Officer

Jacques Rossouw

Jacques brings a wealth of expertise in Finance, Development, Private Equity, and Investment Banking, with a remarkable career spanning over 15 years. His educational background includes a US-accredited degree in Investment Management, encompassing four years of rigorous study. Additionally, Jacques holds a prestigious CFA Charter, CIPM Associate status, and an advanced CIMA diploma, further solidifying his qualifications in the field.

 

Jacques possesses extensive experience in various facets of the education sector, such as Real Estate, Development, Financial Modeling, Business Development, Corporate Governance, Private Equity, Risk, Legal, Valuation, and Credit Analysis. His professional journey commenced in Investment Banking at Standard Bank, and later he joined GroFin as an Investment Manager. In this role, Jacques successfully executed numerous private equity projects across Africa and the Middle East, including eight projects specifically focused on the education sector.

 

Motivated by new challenges, Jacques embarked on a journey to the Middle East, assuming the leadership of the MENA investment team. His responsibilities encompassed the delivery of diverse projects, including ventures in education, spanning locations such as Dubai, Cairo, Jordan, Iraq, and Oman. Prior to joining Premiera, Jacques served as the Finance Director of EduReach, a prominent international school owner and operator. During his tenure, EduReach’s portfolio expanded across seven countries and three continents, solidifying their position as a leader in the field.

 

Jacques’ multifaceted expertise, coupled with his extensive experience in finance and education, positions him as a valuable asset to Premiera and a driving force in the organization’s continued growth and success.

Premiera Education Group-David Miles

Chief Schools Officer

David Miles

David boasts an extensive teaching background of over twenty-five years, with fifteen of those years dedicated to educational leadership. Before joining Premiera, he held a range of esteemed positions, including Head of Mathematics, Deputy Head, Vice Principal, International Principal, International Business Director, and Deputy Director of Schools for Dulwich College International. After receiving his primary education in Abu Dhabi, David commenced his career in the United Kingdom and later ventured overseas in 2013.

 

David’s academic accomplishments include a MA (Hons) in Pure Mathematics from the University of Cambridge, a PGDip in Mathematics from the Open University, a PGCert in Boarding Education from Roehampton University, and a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics from St Mary’s College. Notably, he also serves as an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate in the UK and holds the esteemed role of a British Standards Overseas Inspector.

 

When it comes to his educational philosophy, David firmly believes that teachers play a pivotal role in instilling a lifelong love for learning within children. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to empowering educators, enabling them to nurture their ambition to ignite passion among students and provide a comprehensive holistic education. David envisions schools as environments where all stakeholders, including students, learn from one another, fostering the development of globally aware individuals. He emphasises that the ultimate aim of every school should be to cultivate individuals who are both fascinating and interested, fully prepared for the next chapter of their lives. David firmly advocates for nurturing creativity, intellectual curiosity, resilience, and adaptability as key factors in unlocking each child’s full potential.

Premiera Education Group-Kevin

Chief Business Development Officer

Kevin O'Brien

With over 15 years of experience as an education leader, Kevin possesses a profound understanding of the industry and a sincere dedication to the power of education and lifelong learning. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in various facets of education, including student recruitment, campus management, business development, and fostering valuable relationships.

 

During his tenure as the Regional & Global Centre Director at University College Dublin and later as the Dubai Campus Director at Hult International Business School, Kevin showcased his expertise in launching and developing multiple global centers. His strategic acumen and ability to forge strong partnerships played a pivotal role in driving the progress of the institutions he worked with. Passionate about education, Kevin firmly believes in its transformative potential and recognizes its profound impact on individuals and communities alike.

 

Kevin’s ongoing educational journey includes an MBA in Educational Leadership from the Tampere University of Applied Sciences. Prior to that, he pursued Business Studies (Marketing) at the Technology University of the Shannon, which equipped him with a solid foundation in the business aspects of education. With his vast experience and educational background, Kevin continues to make a significant impact in the field of education, leveraging his passion and expertise to drive positive change and foster an environment conducive to learning and growth.

Premiera Education Group-John

Chief Academics Officer

John Griffin

With over two decades of leadership experience spanning three continents, John has made significant contributions to primary, secondary, and tertiary education. His most recent endeavour involved spearheading the establishment of academic programs at a GEMS school located in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

 

Before this achievement, John held a leadership role in the international curriculum and assessment department of a prestigious private school in Riyadh. Additionally, he served as a dean in a private boarding college in Ireland, where he actively participated in adult continuing education at UCC and dedicated his time as a volunteer for the National Adult Literacy Agency of Ireland. Furthermore, John’s professional journey led him to the United States, where he worked as an assistant professor for several years, teaching literature, philosophy, ethics, logic, and creative writing, while also overseeing a further education and training academic program for adults.

 

Notably, John has played a vital role in accreditation processes and the professional development of both leaders and educators. He firmly believes in the establishment of communities of care as the driving force behind educational excellence and reform. Recognized for his expertise, John is highly sought after as a plenary speaker and has delivered impactful presentations at numerous conferences, including Sigma Tau Delta and TESOL Arabia. In addition to his educational pursuits, John has showcased his literary talent as a published poet and author of over 50 books, which encompass insightful monographs on education.


John’s wealth of experience, visionary leadership, commitment to lifelong learning, and passion for educational excellence make him the ideal candidate to lead Premiera Education Group as our Chief Academic Officer.

Premiera Education Group-David P

Chief Operations Officer

David Pearson

David is a highly accomplished senior leader known for his exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to drive transformative change in complex operations and programs. With over a decade of experience in education and youth engagement, coupled with a decade leading operations in various industries, David has consistently delivered outstanding results by optimizing service delivery and implementing effective management strategies.

 

Building strong relationships based on trust and respect is a fundamental principle for David. He excels at fostering collaborative and high-performing teams that work together towards well-defined goals. Throughout his career, David has demonstrated his capacity to make difficult yet necessary decisions while providing personal vision and comprehensive project management to revolutionize existing operations. He has successfully initiated and scaled major programs, overseeing annual revenues of up to £100 million and managing teams of over 500 members.

 

David’s educational background comprises an LLB from the University of Keele, an MA in Educational Leadership & Management from the UCL Institute of Education, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from The University of Huddersfield. Furthermore, he has practical experience as a classroom teacher, which has provided him with valuable insights into the needs and challenges within educational settings. Armed with a combination of academic qualifications and hands-on experience, David is well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of education and drive meaningful change.

Premiera Education Group-Manny

Chief Information Officer

Manny Johal

Manny possesses an exceptional track record in the realms of educational technology and Computer Science. Over nearly two decades, he has been at the forefront of driving digital transformation within various educational institutions, employing his expertise to revolutionize learning experiences for students and optimize operational effectiveness.

 

Manny’s journey in educational technology commenced as a qualified Postgraduate Certificate in Education teacher specializing in Computer Science. Motivated by his desire to seamlessly merge technology with traditional teaching methodologies, he embarked on a quest to explore the intricate intersection between education and Computer Science. With unwavering determination, Manny sought to bridge the gap and unlock the potential of innovative technological solutions within the educational landscape.

 

Expanding his horizons beyond the United Kingdom, Manny embraced the realm of international education by joining two prominent school groups in the United Arab Emirates. These enriching experiences provided him with invaluable insights into the distinct challenges and opportunities present within global educational ecosystems. During his tenure in the United Arab Emirates, Manny assumed a pivotal role in spearheading digital transformation initiatives across multiple campuses, successfully integrating technology into curriculum delivery, assessment procedures, and administrative functions. Committed to inclusivity, Manny passionately strives to foster a digitally inclusive environment that ensures students from all backgrounds have access to high-quality education.

Marketing Manager

Joel Jimenez

A seasoned marketing professional with a decade of experience in the field, including four years dedicated to the education sector. Joel’s expertise spans advertising, marketing coordination, graphic design, web development, video production, social media management, and content creation.

 

Joel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, from Holy Angel University in the Philippines. In addition to his degree, he has earned certifications in web development, UI/UX design, and graphic and video editing and composition.

 

With his diverse skill set and a strong foundation in both traditional and digital marketing, Joel is committed to driving impactful marketing strategies that elevate brand presence and engage audiences effectively. His passion for blending creativity with strategic thinking makes him a valuable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of educational marketing.

Office Manager

Dora Vuksan

Dora is our accomplished office manager from Croatia, who began her career in the United States. Over the past three years in the UAE, Dora has worked as an office manager in various organisations, honing her skills and passions. Her expertise includes liaising with governmental organisations, organising trips and activities, and most importantly, supporting her team members.

 

Dora’s daily duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities that ensure the smooth functioning of the office. She expertly manages administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, coordinating office supplies, and maintaining a well-organised workspace. Dora is also adept at handling financial tasks, including budgeting, expense tracking, and invoice processing. Her strong communication skills enable her to effectively interact with clients, vendors, and colleagues, fostering positive relationships and efficient collaboration.

 

In addition to her administrative prowess, Dora excels in event planning and execution, ensuring that all company events, from small meetings to large conferences, run seamlessly. Her proactive approach to problem-solving and her ability to anticipate the needs of the team make her an indispensable asset to our organisation. Dora’s international experience and dedication contribute to a productive and supportive work environment, making her an integral part of our team.

Academic and Quality Development Officer

Shakhnoza Shamsuddinova

Shakhnoza is a dedicated and passionate educational professional originally from Uzbekistan. With a robust academic background from Russell Group University and a current pursuit of a Doctorate in Education from the University of Glasgow, Shakhnoza’s expertise lies at the intersection of educational policy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the future of education.

 

Shakhnoza brings nearly a decade of diverse professional experience across three countries, where she has excelled in roles as a teacher, policy specialist, teacher educator, and researcher. Her work is driven by the transformative power of holistic education, a belief that every child deserves to be valued, seen, and heard in order to truly thrive.

 

Her philosophy centres on making a positive impact on each learner’s holistic growth, which has inspired her to commit her career to education. Shakhnoza’s goal is to ensure that educational policies and practices support and nurture every aspect of a child’s development, preparing them for a bright and successful future.

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