EF Education First Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

EF Education First has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, and global operations.

Driven by a mission to open the world through education, EF Education First empowers individuals of all ages to explore new cultures, gain language proficiency, and foster global understanding through immersive learning experiences.

Leadership Roles at EF Education First

  • Chief Executive Officer - Edward Hult
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Leonela Gonzalez- Fogarty
  • President - Gerald Emard
  • President - Allison Hickey
  • President, EF World Journeys - Heidi Durflinger
  • President - Goran Rannefors
  • Chief Technology Officer - Julien Comparato
  • Executive VP (North America) - Christopher Dunn
  • Executive VP (North America) - Kate Berseth
  • Edward Hult - Chief Executive Officer

    Edward Hult, the Chief Executive Officer at EF Education First, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global operational execution. Hult guides the company's expansion into new markets and the development of innovative educational programs that align with EF Education First's mission to foster global understanding. Overseeing all major business units, the Chief Executive Officer ensures cohesive strategic direction and drives sustainable growth across diverse educational offerings. This leadership role involves significant interaction with regional presidents and functional VPs to maintain market leadership and adapt to evolving educational landscapes. Edward Hult's focus remains on enhancing the experiential learning opportunities that define EF Education First, ensuring millions of individuals gain new perspectives and skills through language, travel, and cultural immersion.

    Leonela Gonzalez- Fogarty - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Leonela Gonzalez- Fogarty, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at EF Education First, established the organization's foundational principles and continues to shape its long-term vision. Fogarty's leadership is central to maintaining the company's commitment to experiential learning and cultural exchange, principles that have guided EF Education First since its inception. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer champions initiatives that promote cross-cultural understanding and personal development for students worldwide. This role involves setting the ethical and operational compass for the entire organization, ensuring that all programs uphold the core mission of opening the world through education. Leonela Gonzalez- Fogarty's enduring influence is evident in the company's sustained impact on global citizenship and lifelong learning.

    Gerald Emard - President

    Gerald Emard, the President at EF Education First, directs significant operational divisions, focusing on strategic growth and market penetration within key global regions. Emard's leadership ensures the effective delivery of EF Education First's diverse portfolio of educational programs, including language immersion and cultural exchange initiatives. The President oversees the alignment of regional strategies with the company's overarching mission, driving operational excellence and enhancing student outcomes. This role involves managing cross-functional teams to optimize program delivery and expand market reach, particularly in North America. Gerald Emard's strategic oversight is crucial for maintaining EF Education First's position as a leader in international education and fostering opportunities for global understanding.

    Allison Hickey - President

    Allison Hickey, the President at EF Education First, spearheads initiatives focused on expanding the reach and impact of EF Education First's academic and language programs. Hickey drives strategic planning for key business units, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to open the world through education. The President oversees the development and execution of programs designed to foster cultural understanding and provide valuable learning experiences for students globally. This leadership role involves close collaboration with executive teams to enhance program quality and explore new avenues for educational innovation. Allison Hickey's focus is on strengthening EF Education First's commitment to providing transformative opportunities that empower individuals through immersive learning and global exposure.

    Heidi Durflinger - President, EF World Journeys

    Heidi Durflinger, the President, EF World Journeys at EF Education First, directs the strategic vision and operational management for the company's global travel and cultural exchange programs. Durflinger oversees the development of immersive itineraries that connect participants with diverse cultures and learning experiences worldwide. The President, EF World Journeys ensures that all travel programs align with EF Education First's mission of opening the world through education, fostering understanding and personal growth. This leadership role involves extensive collaboration with regional teams to enhance program quality and expand market reach. Heidi Durflinger's expertise is crucial in curating impactful journeys that provide unparalleled educational and life-changing opportunities for individuals of all ages.
    Heidi Durflinger

    Goran Rannefors - President

    Goran Rannefors, the President at EF Education First, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight for key global markets, focusing on expanding educational access and program impact. Rannefors leads efforts to enhance the quality and reach of EF Education First's language, travel, and academic programs, ensuring they provide transformative learning experiences. The President oversees the implementation of innovative strategies that align with the company's core mission of fostering global understanding and cultural exchange. This role involves close coordination with executive leadership to optimize business performance and explore new growth opportunities. Goran Rannefors's leadership is vital in advancing EF Education First's commitment to turning dreams into opportunities for millions worldwide.
    Goran Rannefors

    Julien Comparato - Chief Technology Officer

    Julien Comparato, the Chief Technology Officer at EF Education First, architects and executes the company's global technology strategy, driving innovation across all digital platforms. Comparato oversees the development and implementation of cutting-edge educational technologies that enhance language learning, streamline travel logistics, and enrich academic programs. The Chief Technology Officer ensures the scalability and security of EF Education First's digital infrastructure, supporting millions of users worldwide. This leadership position involves close collaboration with product development teams and operational leaders to integrate technological advancements seamlessly into the student experience. Julien Comparato's expertise is critical in leveraging technology to expand access to EF Education First's transformative learning opportunities and maintain a competitive edge in the global education sector.
    Julien Comparato

    Christopher Dunn - Executive VP (North America)

    Christopher Dunn, the Executive VP (North America) at EF Education First, directs the strategic operations and market development across the North American region. Dunn oversees the expansion of EF Education First's language, travel, and academic programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of students and educational institutions. The Executive VP (North America) drives initiatives aimed at increasing student engagement and fostering cultural exchange throughout the continent. This leadership position involves close coordination with global teams to implement tailored strategies that enhance EF Education First's presence and impact. Christopher Dunn's focus is on maximizing opportunities for North American students to experience the world and gain invaluable life skills through EF Education First's unique educational offerings.

    Kate Berseth - Executive VP (North America)

    Kate Berseth, the Executive VP (North America) at EF Education First, leads critical strategic planning and operational execution for the North American market. Berseth focuses on enhancing the delivery of EF Education First's core educational experiences, including language learning and cultural immersion programs. The Executive VP (North America) drives initiatives to broaden access to these transformative opportunities for students across the United States and Canada. This role involves fostering strong relationships with educational partners and stakeholders to ensure program excellence and growth. Kate Berseth's leadership is instrumental in advancing EF Education First's mission to connect people and cultures through education within the dynamic North American landscape.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding EF Education First Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads EF Education First?
    EF Education First is led by Edward Hult (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Leonela Gonzalez- Fogarty (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Gerald Emard (President).
    Who is part of EF Education First’s executive team?
    The executive team of EF Education First includes leaders such as Edward Hult (Chief Executive Officer), Leonela Gonzalez- Fogarty (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Gerald Emard (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does EF Education First have?
    EF Education First has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in EF Education First’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of EF Education First includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President, President, President, EF World Journeys.