IDP Education Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

IDP Education has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and people.

Driven by global connectivity, IDP Education connects international students with educational opportunities worldwide, leveraging its expertise in student placement and English language assessment to foster academic and career advancement.

Leadership Roles at IDP Education

  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Tennealle O'Shannessy
  • Chief Financial Officer - Katherine Koch
  • Chief Operating Officer, , , Mea, & LATAM, , Customer & Operations Transformation (South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, Australia) - Harmeet Pental
  • Chief People Officer - Georgia Murphy
  • Tennealle O'Shannessy - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

    Tennealle O'Shannessy, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at IDP Education, directs the overarching strategy and global operations for the international education leader. O'Shannessy guides the company's mission to connect students with English-speaking countries, ensuring alignment with market demands and institutional partnerships. This leadership role involves driving growth across student placement services and the co-ownership of IELTS, the prominent English language assessment. O'Shannessy oversees the executive team, fostering a culture of innovation and student-centric service delivery. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director's focus remains on expanding IDP Education's reach and impact in the global education landscape, solidifying its position as a premier facilitator of international study experiences. Tennealle O'Shannessy's strategic vision shapes the company's future trajectory and operational excellence.

    Katherine Koch - Chief Financial Officer

    Katherine Koch, the Chief Financial Officer at IDP Education, manages all financial aspects of the global organization. Koch oversees financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation, ensuring fiscal health and sustainable growth. This executive role involves managing investments, optimizing financial performance, and maintaining strong relationships with investors and financial institutions. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to risk management and ensuring compliance with financial regulations across IDP Education's international operations. Koch's expertise supports strategic decision-making by providing critical financial insights and analysis. Katherine Koch plays a vital part in driving financial strategy, resource management, and the overall economic stability of the company, enabling its continued expansion in the international education sector.

    Harmeet Pental - Chief Operating Officer, , , Mea, & LATAM, , Customer & Operations Transformation (South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, Australia)

    Harmeet Pental, the Chief Operating Officer, , , Mea, & LATAM, , Customer & Operations Transformation (South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, Australia) at IDP Education, directs operational execution and transformation across diverse global regions. Pental oversees the delivery of student services and operational efficiency, ensuring seamless student journeys from inquiry to enrollment. This extensive role encompasses managing customer experience initiatives and driving operational improvements throughout South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, and Australia, as well as MEA and LATAM. The Chief Operating Officer's focus is on optimizing processes, enhancing service delivery, and adapting operations to meet the unique needs of students in various markets. Harmeet Pental's leadership ensures the robust functioning of IDP Education's global network, supporting its mission to facilitate international education.
    Harmeet Pental

    Georgia Murphy - Chief People Officer

    Georgia Murphy, the Chief People Officer at IDP Education, leads human capital strategy and organizational development. Murphy is responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing talent across the company's global workforce. This executive position involves shaping the employee experience, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and ensuring alignment with IDP Education's strategic objectives. The Chief People Officer oversees talent management, learning and development, and compensation and benefits programs. Murphy's role is critical in supporting the company's growth by building a high-performing team capable of delivering exceptional service to international students. Georgia Murphy's dedication to people operations strengthens IDP Education's capacity to achieve its mission in the international education sector.
    Georgia Murphy

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding IDP Education Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads IDP Education?
    IDP Education is led by Tennealle O'Shannessy (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director), along with executives such as Katherine Koch (Chief Financial Officer) and Harmeet Pental (Chief Operating Officer, , , Mea, & LATAM, , Customer & Operations Transformation (South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, Australia)).
    Who is part of IDP Education’s executive team?
    The executive team of IDP Education includes leaders such as Tennealle O'Shannessy (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director), Katherine Koch (Chief Financial Officer), Harmeet Pental (Chief Operating Officer, , , Mea, & LATAM, , Customer & Operations Transformation (South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, Australia)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does IDP Education have?
    IDP Education has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in IDP Education’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of IDP Education includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, , , Mea, & LATAM, , Customer & Operations Transformation (South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, Australia), Chief People Officer.