the people behind ioi

Gareth Binns Chief Executive

Gareth brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about developing learning environments, programmes and resources. A Fellow of the RSA, he was formerly Head of Education and Interpretation at the National Trust, Director of Learning at Nesta, Keeper of Learning and Information at the British Museum, and CEO of the Sorrell Foundation. As well as other trustee roles, Gareth is a governor at an academy for 11-18 year olds.

James Brown Imagination Lab Events and Facilities Manager

James has worked with SEND children and their families across a variety of initiatives and organisations for several years. He has a background working with children with additional needs through experiential therapies and sensory play. His expertise helps the iOi team ensure that SEND children are able to have their strengths recognised and nurtured. Alongside his work with children and families, James makes excellent use of a background in property development to meticulously manage events and ensure our tech is tip top.

Emma Callow Imagination Lab Creative Lead (part-time)

Emma has worked extensively with under-privileged children and young people, many with special needs, using the arts, creativity and therapeutic communication to promote well-being and personal development. She has helped deliver Pop Up Parks events, coaches individuals and groups, and has won an innovation award for her work with students at Kingston College.

Catherine Cox Development Manager (part-time)

Catherine has spent the last ten years fundraising for children and young people’s organisations, initially for online charity YouthNet and more recently in the Philanthropy team at the NSPCC.  A passionate believer in the power of play, she runs a quarterly play street for families in her community to meet and connect.        

Stephanie Dittmer Campaign Director

Stephanie has worked across the arts in London since she arrived from the US in 2007, and joins the iOi after almost a decade in the leadership team at the Donmar Warehouse. Bringing with her a passion for the power of philanthropy coupled with a deep and abiding belief in the value of creativity and collaboration in sustaining a healthy society, she is thrilled to be with the iOi as it looks to its exciting future. In her spare time, Stephanie is a musician, a mum, and serves on the Boards of AKT and Company Wayne McGregor.

Tom Doust Director of Experience and Learning

Tom Doust has spent 15 years dedicating his career to public engagement and participation programmes across the education, cultural and design sectors. He is founder of Pop up Parks, was a 2013 Clore Social Fellow with Nesta and is co-founder of the social action charity Envision.

Annie Duffield Head of Marketing and Communications

Annie brings experience from the arts, heritage and tourism sectors having managed consumer marketing for some of London’s top attractions and destinations. She has developed and implemented campaigns and strategy for the National Gallery, the Museum of London and most recently the Royal Collection Trust. She began her career in destination marketing, promoting London’s South Bank.

Damian Griffiths Director of Finance and Enterprise (part-time)

Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at the London office of EY, Damian spent over 10 years as a director of innovation firm, New Solutions. Following this, he engaged with a number of growing businesses in the creative and consulting sectors, taking a particular interest in organisations with a purpose beyond profit.

Jess Joyson Imagination Lab Manager

Joining us from Teach First, Jess has ample experience in child and adult education. Prior to Teach First, Jess was a secondary school teacher and a learning assistant in a cultural organisation. She champions educational equality both in and out of the classroom, and is currently studying for her Masters in Leadership in Education at UCL Institute of Education.