Key Management

Poonam Bhojani - Chief Executive Officer:  

Poonam is an Economics Honours Graduate with an MBA from India's premier business school, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. 

Prior to envisioning and cofounding Dubai International Academy, Poonam has had significant industry experience working on leading edge technology solutions with a range of organisations across India, Hong Kong, USA, Belgium, Sweden, The Netherlands, Oman and UAE. 

She is the CEO of Innoventures Education and has served as the President of the Middle East IB Association of Schools and is the Secretary of the Dubai Private Schools Group. 

Michael Stephen - Director of Finance & Administration 

Michael Stephen is a Chartered Accountant and has a Diploma in Portfolio Management with over 20 years’ experience in consulting and industry. He was part of the core team of Innoventures Education that set up Dubai International Academy. Michael started his career in an accounting firm focused on audit, tax, corporate law, and business and investment advisory services. 

He enjoys business and financial modelling to develop new business ideas, building key relationships, and the challenge of establishing new projects. In 2005, he cofounded Eternus Foundation in Chennai which provides education and health cover to children. 

Michael is a Fellow of the Association of International Accountants, UK and has been on the faculty of a business school in Dubai. 

James Roberts - Director of Standards and Head of School Development Unit 

James has over 20 years of senior leadership experience across a diverse range of schools and educational organisations. He was previously CEO of one of the largest education services companies in the UK, leading the initial launch and establishment of this company as a profitable, growing business. He is a vastly experienced executive education leader  who works with the CEO and school teams to drive forward the group’s performance agenda and secure the highest quality outcomes for every student. As well as a degree in Biochemistry, James has a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management, along with the National Professional Qualification for Headship. He firmly believes in unlocking the potential of every child academically, personally and socially through a continuous and relentless drive for sustained improvement in the quality of education. 

Timothy Craig Roberts - Principal, Raffles World Academy 

Tim took over as the Principal of Raffles World Academy in 2016.  He has held leadership positions in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Notably, at The Prague British School, one of few schools in the EU to be rated as “Outstanding” by the BSO and a member of the Headmaster and Headmistresses Council (HMC). 

A graduate in Business Education and Information Technology, Tim also has a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management.  He brings with him extensive experience as a teacher, head of School and as an inspector of schools. Tim’s vision has turned Raffles World Academy into a thriving IB World School, with a true sense of community spirit and values. 

Ian Thurston - Principal, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha 

Ian is a school Principal with a demonstrated history of outstanding leadership in education. He is passionate about educating the whole-child through strong academics, skills and character development and providing opportunity for enrichment with a "something for everyone" approach. An Economics graduate of the University of Sheffield, UK, NPQH from UCL, and currently studying for a Masters in Education, he began teaching Secondary Mathematics in 2003. Ian has been living in Dubai since 2007, holding various leadership positions since 2014, including Deputy Head, Head of Secondary and now Principal (PreK-G12). He is passionate about wellbeing and staff development. Vastly knowledgeable about IB education and global university placements, Ian has shared this experience at conferences for the IB and UCAS. Ian is a father of two; he believes in positivity, leading a fun-filled life, enjoying the outdoors, camping and triathlons. 

Hitesh Bhagat - Principal, Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills 

Hitesh has been with the school for 17 years and the Principal since 2022. An engineering graduate in Computer Science, Hitesh also has a Master of Philosophy in Computer Management.  He brings with him extensive experience as a Teacher, senior leader, and part of the Senior Management Team. In 2014, he took up the role of Group Head of Educational Technology for Innoventures Education and consolidates the efforts across the Group’s schools for effective use of technology systems for teaching and learning. 

Jonathan Cox - Principal, Collegiate International School 

Jonathan joined Innoventures Education in August 2022 and took over as Principal of Collegiate International School in August 2023. He holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in English Literature from King's College, London. He worked originally as a Managing Director in Corporate Training, before moving to teaching. He has extensive experience both in international school leadership across South-East Asia, the US and the Middle East. 

Mihail Kouzev - Director of Sports and Activities 

Honoured with the Royal award and acknowledgment by HH Hamdan bin Mohammed Order of Merit for Best Sports Education School, Mihail Kouzev brings over 23 years of experience fostering and promoting the values of Sport and Lifelong Learning. With a degree in Physical Education and Sport and a Master’s in Sports Studies from the National Academy of Sports, Mihail has a rich background as a former National Team professional athlete, including being a 5-time National Champion in Modern Pentathlon and a past UAE Triathlon Champion. 

Since joining Innoventures Education two decades ago, Mihail has been unwavering in his dedication to inspiring young people, transforming Physical and Health Education curricula, and elevating the sports culture across schools, creating lasting impact through his innovative leadership. He strives to inspire students, teachers, and the community with his Passion for Sport, Health, and Wellbeing. 

Currently pursuing a PhD with a focus on sport in international education, curriculum development, and student well-being, Mihail believes that a school is more than just an institution-it is a community fostering holistic growth. Through a structured curriculum, innovation, and genuine care, Mihail creates environments where students thrive, embody sports values, and establish lifelong healthy habits through Physical and Health Education literacy. 

His mission is to instil leadership, resilience, sportsmanship, and discipline in students, inspiring them to become role models and sport ambassadors in their communities. Mihail is committed to ensuring inclusivity and that every student excels in sports while developing life skills that extend beyond the field, promoting lifelong learning and well-being with unwavering dedication. 

Lara Hudson – Director of Early Childhood Centres and Development 

Lara is a distinguished early years professional with over 25 years of international experience, including more than 20 years in the UAE education sector. She holds an LLB in Law and a diverse array of educational qualifications, including FE Trainer, Assessor, and Teacher. Lara's expertise spans various educational levels and sectors. 

In the UK, she served as Head of Education for a zoo, where she guided students from early childhood through university in zoological education. In the UAE, she held the position of Chief Operating Officer for two prominent training companies, delivering a wide range of UK qualifications from various awarding organizations. Additionally, she was the Country Manager for a large European education group. 

In her role at Innoventures Education, Lara supports all facets of early years education. She firmly believes that early experiences shape a child’s attitudes toward learning, influencing their motivation, resilience, and curiosity throughout life. Her mission is to maximize this critical early years window for cognitive, emotional, and social development, laying the foundation for future learning.