Our team

Ian has more than 20 years’ senior management experience in the education sector including the last 15 years as CEO of 15billionebp. He combines the skills gained previously during a successful career in the City which included being part of a management buy-out team with a passion for wanting to improve the life chances of young people.

He is a governor and Chair of the finance committee for a multi academy trust and has been closely involved as a governor setting up an Alternative Provision Free school. Ian has a first class honours degree in Business Studies and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1988. He recently completed a research based Master’s Degree at Birkbeck College where he gained a distinction on his dissertation on the development of Further Education in India.

Salekh joined 15billionebp in 2013 as graduate trainee in the finance team. He currently leads the finance department after having successfully completing his ACCA qualification in 2016.

Prior to joining 15billionebp Salekh worked within the retail, estates and banking sector.

Along with his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants membership, Salekh also has a honours degree in Accounting and Finance.

He grew up in East London and has been a volunteer at Manor FC, a grassroot community football club for over 10 years.

Deirdre joined 15billionebp in 2008 and is the Careers Contracts Manager. She has over 30 years’ experience of delivering and managing careers service contracts.

Deirdre oversees the delivery of Careers Guidance contracts via the London Borough of Newham and has been instrumental in 15billionebp acquiring the accreditation of the Matrix Quality Standard.

She is a fully qualified careers adviser holding parts 1 and 2 diploma in Careers Guidance and also holds a degree in History. She is an active contributor to a range of careers networks and is also a member of the Careers Development Institute.

Rez joined 15billionebp in 2016. Prior to joining 15billionebp, Rez managed Corporate Social Responsibility programmes in the charity, public and private sectors, having previously worked for the Financial Conduct Authority and Morgan Stanley.

Rez currently heads the business development and corporate partnerships. He is responsible for delivering key partnership contracts and works closely with current and potential partners to provide advice on CSR agendas and also oversees the ESF/SFA Careers Cluster, Secondary and volunteering programmes.

Rez holds an honours degree in Business Studies and is an active volunteer for various grass root community groups.

Sharon has been a part the work experience programme for nearly 27 years. She joined Newham Education Business Partnership (NEBP) formerly known as TVEI in January 1991 as the Administrative Officer and was instrumental in setting up the work experience programme from conception.

After a year she was promoted to Director and has since enjoyed the strong links she has with the schools and supported many of our young people aged 14-19 in gaining a valuable experience of the world of work.

Sharon works in partnership with Educational Institutes, Local Authorities and Employers. She is IOSH trained and qualified to vet all new businesses, and as such ensures all Health & Safety/Safeguarding regulations are in place to protect our young people.

Shereen joined 15billionebp in 2005 as an MI Systems Manager and was promoted to Head of Management Information in 2008. She has been instrumental in the development of the MI service, with a keen focus on data management, customer relationships and quality delivery.

Shereen has a BSc (hons) in Computing Studies and an employment history including IAG delivery and working with vulnerable young people.

She currently volunteers as a youth leader, and is passionate about the positive use of data to inform social mobility and the development of services that support young people.