Where we work

Ahmed has more than 24 years of experience contributing to different nationwide Education Transformation initiatives and projects across the Middle East region to transform teaching and learning. This includes rolling out learning platforms for general and higher education, teacher professional development, and training management, contributing to the advancement of the quality of education in countries including Qatar, UAE, KSA and Egypt.

Ahmed has worked with international education leaders like D2L, as well as regional leaders like ITWorx Education, Almentor.net and YAS Holding education division, leading on all aspects of delivery in the education and training domain. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Systems & Biomedical Engineering from Cairo University and an MBA from Hult International Business School.

Dr. Rita Stephan is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. She has held various leadership roles, including Chairman and CEO of several investment companies across the GCC and the Middle East, where she implemented tailored strategies and transformation management systems for both governmental and public sectors. she has successfully guided institutions through significant changes, enhancing their operational effectiveness and educational outcomes.

Her expertise also includes creating innovative concepts, initiating startups, and advising on the latest educational systems and school models for the private sector. As an education consultant at Etio, Dr. Rita leverages her extensive background to drive initiatives that align with the organization’s mission to elevate education globally.

Rita is a finalist for the Investor Consultant category of the Education Investors Power List 2025.

Masooma has 15 years’ experience inspecting public and private schools, Universities and TVET institutions, where she has acquired in-depth, practical knowledge of the education and vocational training.

Since January 2022, Masooma joined Etio, and currently managing the operations of a number of projects in the UAE, Oman, Saudia Arabia and Bahrain relevant to inspections, schools’ improvements, and research. In 2022, Masooma worked closely with the Ministry of Education in Bahrain to design, and project manage a major programme to establish a systematic and sustainable school improvement strategy; and in 2023, she completed a project of 110 private schools’ inspections for Sharjah Private Education Authority.

Masooma is fluent in Arabic and English, a confident speaker and has hosted, and participated in, numerous short courses, workshops, and conferences.

As a Full Professor of Applied Linguistics and Leadership Consultant with expertise in K-12 and Higher Education, I specialize in assessment, accreditation, strategic planning, policy review, and designing educational frameworks. My work extends to education review, transformation, and workforce development, with a focus on performance benchmarking to elevate institutional standards. I lead initiatives that drive educational innovation and actively contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). My work has played a pivotal role in enhancing leadership, promoting global citizenship, fostering cultural translation, and raising educational standards across K-12 and higher education in both public and private universities in Saudi Arabia. As a Board Member and advocate for professional Learning and Development (L&D), I focus on designing and implementing strategies that foster growth and success among young generations, professionals, and academic institutions.

Dan started his career as a research analyst at political polling agency MORI in London, before moving into the international education sector at leading digital skills qualifications provider ICDL Foundation, working with governments and education institutions in over 100 countries worldwide to design and deliver large-scale education and skills development projects.

After over a decade in senior market development roles leading ICDL’s businesses in Europe (Dublin), Asia (Singapore), and Middle East (Dubai), he returned home to the UK but continued to work internationally, spending five years in senior roles at Education Development Trust. In 2023 he joined Etio to lead its global Business Development function.

As a neurodivergent leader, Dan has a particular interest in championing equitable education access and outcomes for autistic children, as well as those with other special educational needs.