IDP Education Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

IDP Education has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, global operations, marketing, human resources, and regional leadership.

Committed to global student mobility, IDP Education empowers international learners by connecting individuals with premier English-speaking academic institutions while maintaining excellence in high-stakes language assessment standards.

Leadership Roles at IDP Education

  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Tennealle O’Shannessy
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kate Koch
  • Chief Operating Officer, , , Mea, & LATAM, , Customer & Operations Transformation (South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, Australia) - Harmeet Pental
  • President - Yoshikazu Ueoku
  • Chief Marketing Officer (Interim) - Sheena Sudra
  • 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 corporate strategy and global expansion initiatives. Overseeing the entire organizational portfolio, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director ensures alignment between student placement services and the co-ownership of the IELTS testing platform. This leadership role involves navigating complex international education markets to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence across all regions. By fostering partnerships with academic institutions, Tennealle O’Shannessy secures the long-term market position of the firm. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director maintains rigorous standards for service delivery, ensuring that every student receives optimal support during the transition to English-speaking countries. Through constant evaluation of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director optimizes the business model to meet evolving educational demands, ultimately strengthening the global footprint of the organization.

    Kate Koch - Chief Financial Officer

    Kate Koch, the Chief Financial Officer at IDP Education, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the global enterprise. Overseeing financial reporting, risk management, and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains a robust balance sheet to support international growth. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from student placement services and IELTS testing to maximize shareholder value. By implementing stringent financial controls, Kate Koch drives operational efficiency across diverse geographic markets. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to fund strategic investments in digital infrastructure and service expansion. Through precise forecasting and budget management, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates economic volatility, ensuring the firm remains a leader in the international education sector. Financial stability remains the primary focus, allowing the organization to scale operations effectively while maintaining high service standards for students worldwide.

    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 the execution of service delivery across vast international territories. Overseeing the integration of customer-facing operations and digital transformation, the Chief Operating Officer, , , Mea, & LATAM, , Customer & Operations Transformation (South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, Australia) ensures seamless student experiences from initial inquiry to enrollment. This leadership role involves standardizing operational workflows in Asia, Canada, and Australia to maintain consistent quality. By optimizing the infrastructure for IELTS testing and placement services, Harmeet Pental drives efficiency and scalability. The Chief Operating Officer, , , Mea, & LATAM, , Customer & Operations Transformation (South, East, South, North, Asia, Canada, Australia) coordinates with regional teams to adapt service models to local market nuances, ensuring the organization meets the diverse needs of international students while maintaining a competitive edge in the global education landscape.
    Harmeet Pental

    Yoshikazu Ueoku - President

    Yoshikazu Ueoku, the President at IDP Education, directs regional growth strategies and institutional partnerships. Overseeing the expansion of service offerings, the President ensures the organization maintains strong relationships with academic institutions and testing stakeholders. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and driving the adoption of student placement services. By fostering collaboration between regional offices and the global headquarters, Yoshikazu Ueoku ensures operational alignment and strategic focus. The President monitors market trends to anticipate shifts in international education demand, allowing the firm to adapt its service delivery models accordingly. Through the cultivation of strategic alliances, the President enhances the competitive position of the organization in key markets. Maintaining high standards of service and integrity remains the core focus, ensuring that the organization continues to facilitate successful outcomes for international students seeking academic opportunities in English-speaking countries.

    Sheena Sudra - Chief Marketing Officer (Interim)

    Sheena Sudra, the Chief Marketing Officer (Interim) at IDP Education, architects the global brand strategy and student acquisition campaigns. Overseeing market positioning and digital engagement, the Chief Marketing Officer (Interim) ensures the organization effectively communicates the value of international education and IELTS certification to prospective students. This leadership role involves leveraging data-driven insights to refine outreach efforts across key English-speaking markets. By aligning marketing initiatives with student recruitment goals, Sheena Sudra drives brand awareness and conversion rates. The Chief Marketing Officer (Interim) collaborates with regional teams to tailor messaging, ensuring cultural relevance and impact. Through the development of innovative digital platforms, the Chief Marketing Officer (Interim) enhances the visibility of partner institutions, facilitating stronger connections between students and academic programs. Strategic brand management remains the core focus, ensuring the organization maintains its status as a trusted leader in the international education sector.

    Georgia Murphy - Chief People Officer

    Georgia Murphy, the Chief People Officer at IDP Education, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee engagement, the Chief People Officer ensures the workforce remains aligned with the mission of supporting international students. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that attracts top talent across global operations. By implementing robust performance management systems, Georgia Murphy drives professional growth and operational excellence. The Chief People Officer collaborates with the executive team to build a resilient organizational structure capable of navigating the complexities of the international education industry. Through the promotion of core values and continuous learning, the Chief People Officer strengthens the internal capabilities of the firm. Employee retention and development remain the primary focus, ensuring the organization possesses the expertise required to deliver high-quality services to students and academic partners worldwide.
    Georgia Murphy

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    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 Kate 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), Kate 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 6 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), President, Chief Marketing Officer (Interim).