the people behind ioi

Anna Chripko - Fundraising & Impact Officer

After moving to London from Hungary in 2012, Anna began her career in the arts working across the West End whilst studying for her Master’s Degree in Arts Policy and Management. Prior to joining the iOi she worked as a Senior and Events Assistant at the Donmar Warehouse, where her passion for the importance of creative learning and participation, as well as her interest in furthering her career in fundraising, deepened.

Catherine Lambert - Head of Marketing and Communications

Catherine has worked in marketing across the creative industries for over 15 years. After initially working as Global Brand Manager for Swedish retail systems and services provider, Gunnebo AB, she joined the South Korean government agency KOCCA in 2005 to head up its marketing and brand development, brokering broadcast, licensing partnerships and co-production agreements across Europe. Moving into live theatre, Catherine worked with various arts organisations to lead their strategic marketing and audience development such as Stratford Circus, Iris Theatre and Battersea Arts Centre – for touring work including at the Edinburgh Festival. Catherine has been a speaker at the Children’s Media Conference, Korean / UK Drama Festival and Seoul International Animation Festival (SICAF).

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.

Emma Callow - Creative & Content Lead

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 - Production 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.

Jess Joyson - Programmes Lead

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.

Katherine Osborn - Head of Development

Having worked at the managerial level in arts fundraising for the past 5 years, Kat is so excited to be joining the team at the iOi as their Head of Development. After moving to London from the States in 2014, she started her fundraising career at the Donmar Warehouse where she served as the Development Assistant, and later, the Development Manager. From there she moved to the Royal Albert Hall where she helped to launch and direct their new membership scheme whilst managing individual Major Donor relationships. She strongly believes in the extraordinary power of the creative arts and loves to bake, run, and discuss the importance of secure and accurate CRM databases.

Martin Allen Morales - CEO

Martin brings over 20 years of successful leadership experience across various sectors, including technology, media, food, events, the arts, and education. He started his career in the arts working at independent music companies. Then at Apple he helped launch iTunes Europe before heading up Disney’s EMEA regional arm. As an entrepreneur he launched sustainable food company Ceviche and Andina before co-founding a circular economy consultancy. Additionally, through various leadership supportive roles, Martin has steered charities and social enterprises including children’s education charity Amantani and currently serves on the boards of social finance organisation Big Issue Invest, grant giving charity Global Radio’s Make Some Noise, and sustainability benchmarking organisation Future-Fit Foundation.

Nileema Yesmin - Programmes & Content Manager

Nileema has been working across arts and culture, in Heritage, Research and Film and TV. She loves engaging diverse audiences and bringing them together for shared learning experiences and knowledge exchange that supports creative learning and growth. She is excited to contribute towards Newham’s evolution as a hub of diversity, creativity and innovation. As a native and local, she is delighted to bring her experiences and imagination Home to Newham.