Our team

We know that the work we do at Impetus is transforming the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. It’s why we come to work every day.

We asked each of our team to describe a moment that stood out from their work here.

Here’s what they said:

All Senior Management Team Investment team Public Affairs team Philanthropy team Operations team

Cecilie Lehmann Gianneri

Director of Finance and Operations

"After a decade working in educational leadership across both mainstream and alternative provision, I witnessed firsthand the pressing need for systemic change. At Impetus, I am committed to supporting and enabling colleagues to drive impact and empower organisations supporting young people across the UK."

Claire Leigh

Director of Public Affairs

“I've spent my career fighting for the rights and interests of young people around the world who are disadvantaged and marginalised – and joining Impetus as Director of Public Affairs is a natural next step in that work. Impetus is evidence-led and impact-driven to its core, identifying and delivering interventions that meaningfully improve education and employment outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. I am excited to drive this work forward on a national scale, working with key decision makers to achieve systemic change for young people.”

Harbi Jama

Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships

"I’ve lived the reality of what it means to grow up facing systemic barriers, navigating poverty, housing insecurity, and educational disadvantage. What changed my life was the power of education and the belief others placed in me. That’s why I’m deeply inspired by Impetus’ commitment to making sure all young people regardless of background can succeed in school, gain qualifications, and transition into fulfilling employment."


Read Harbi's full bio here.

Sebastien Ergas

Portfolio Director

“Ending a first meeting with a potential portfolio partner and saying to myself ‘this Chief Exec takes nothing for granted, is very reflective about her organisation's impact and is open about her leadership challenges' – that, was a very exciting moment, and the start of a great partnership.”


Susannah Hardyman MBE

CEO

"Having been part of the Impetus portfolio for 10 years as a portfolio partner, I've experienced first hand the transformative difference Impetus makes to partner organisations, in turn benefitting thousands of children and young people with impactful delivery across the country, alongside powerful influencing work. I'm thrilled to be joining as CEO to take this work forward with a brilliant and inspiring team."


Susannah Hardyman MBE joined as Chief Executive in January 2025. 

Read Susannah's full bio here.