Senior Management Team
Dr. Kate Gerrard
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Dr Kate Gerrard is Study World’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). She is responsible for driving the strategic growth of Study World, reporting directly to Study World’s CEO.
Kate was educated at the universities of Birmingham (BA (Hons), PhD) and Oxford (Master’s), and has spent the last twelve years in a number of senior leadership roles in UK higher education institutions, after starting her career in museums and galleries management. Most recently, she was Director of Faculty Operations at De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU), before taking on the position of Director of Global Campus Operations to support the establishment of the university’s first overseas branch campus at DMU Dubai.
Since starting to work with Study World through DMU Dubai, Kate has continually been impressed with the professionalism, commitment and vision of the Study World team.
Kate also has experience in school and charity governance and is on the board of several international development charities. Until recently, she was Chair of Governors for a large city primary school in the UK. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, gardening and other outdoor activities – and is looking forward to exploring all of these in her home in the UAE!
Mr. Vinod Neethakandam
Senior Vice President
Mr Vinod is the Senior Vice President of Study World Group and is primarily responsible for all legal and financial aspects of the business. He started his career in India before moving to Dubai and has vast experience in a wide range of industries, both in the UAE and abroad.
Mr. Jayakrishnan
Director HR and Operations
Mr Jayakrishnan joined the group in 2008. He is responsible for all HR and admin-related activities across the entire group worldwide. He oversees corporate affairs, general office administration, and the management of personnel, wages, and training. He ensures compliance with legal, contractual, and statutory procedures relating to personnel management, such as recruiting, welfare benefits, and work contracts.
As the Director – HR and Operations, Mr Jayakrishnan works closely with the senior management team to develop the company’s human resources strategy in line with its development goals. He manages individual and collective personnel development, including training, assessment, and promotions.Mr Jayakrishnan also serves as the liaison between administrative personnel, senior management, and overseas day-to-day operations. He manages the following departments: Administration and HR, Transport and Accommodation, Visa Services, and Facilities Management.
He ensures that needs are handled expeditiously and in line with the organisation’s strategy. He started his career as an entrepreneur and has 20 years of experience.
Dr. Kishore Sirnani
Vice President, Marketing and Business Development
E3D = Success (Excellence in Every Endeavour through Dedication, Determination and Devotion)
This is Kishore’s personal mission statement, which he lives by to the core. Kishore has been with the Study World Group since its inception and brings with him extensive marketing and international business development expertise.
Having won several accolades and a national prize from the Government of India for his outstanding academic performance, he started his career teaching and progressed to achieve significant student recruitment growth for the group.
With passion, creativity, and an “I can” attitude, Dr Sirnani currently serves as Vice President – Marketing and Business Development for Study World and is focused on achieving the group’s strategic vision.
Christopher Seeley
Principal, Dove Green Private School
Christopher Seeley is a forward-thinking international school principal with over 20 years of experience in education, leading schools across the UK and the Middle East. With a deep understanding of international curricula and a strong commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Christopher’s leadership centres on empowering students to achieve academic excellence while preparing them for meaningful futures.
At Dove Green Private School, Christopher fosters a culture of sustainability, growth, and holistic development, ensuring students, staff, and the community thrive together. His strategic leadership is reflected in the school’s continuous progress and its dedication to delivering an education that balances academic rigour with creativity, well-being, and global responsibility.
With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management, Christopher exemplifies modern practices that prioritise student potential and staff development. His leadership reflects a commitment to cultivating a progressive, inclusive environment where every individual is valued, and the school continues to grow as a centre of excellence in the region.