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.

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.

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, keep the Imagination Lab running smoothly and ensure our tech is tip top.

Kate Burton Head of Development (maternity cover)

Kate’s career in fundraising began at NSPCC in 2005 during the closing stages of the FULL STOP Appeal. She has held a number of senior positions at Age UK, Tommy’s, and most recently as Head of Trusts and Grants at Rethink Mental Illness. A fine art graduate, Kate runs her own business as a portrait artist and printmaker.

Jennifer Coleman-Peers Director of Strategic Initiatives (part-time)

Formerly Head of Volunteer Board Fundraising at the NSPCC, where she started her career as a graduate trainee. Jennifer was part of the core team that drove the £250m FULL STOP Appeal and developed the Society’s flagship Art Ball.

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.        

Zoe Daniels Marketing and Communications Assistant

Hailing from Sweden and spending the bulk of her adult life in England, Zoe graduated with a degree in PR and Advertising from University of Westminster. Zoe kick started her career in marketing helping to organise Hi-Fest, Hastings first ever illustration festival. Zoe joins us from the events team at KERB Food, bringing exceptional organisation and events skills to the iOi communications team – as well as a passion for food and film.

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.