Our People
Our staff and trustees contribute a broad range of knowledge and expertise from across the private, public and non-profit sectors. We are united in our commitment to improving long-term outcomes for every child.
Meet our board
Our board meets four times a year to discuss and agree our strategic direction, grant applications, and administrative and governance issues. In between meetings, trustees provide ad hoc support to the team, with some also participating in additional sub-committees. On occasion, trustees join our in-country partner visits.
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Formerly a Managing Partner at Stewart Investors, Grigor became a trustee in March 2023, and is now Chair of our board. -
A solicitor with experience working both in-house and for legal firms, Gill has been a Trustee with Maitri since December 2016. -
Nick became a trustee in 2022. He is a long-time supporter of Maitri, having acted as a project sponsor for a previous Maitri partner in Africa in early 2013, and for an Indian education-based charity from 2017, which remains a Maitri partner today. -
Lara became a trustee in May 2022, and supports the HR Committee. She is passionate about social justice, economic inclusion, and education. -
Barun retired in 2019 as Managing Director International at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, where he set up and ran two international offices in India and South Africa, and led part of the US education portfolio. He became a Trustee with Maitri in May 2022. -
Sandy became a Maitri Trustee at the end of 2022. He has a longstanding relationship with Maitri, having previously sponsored two of our partners.
Meet our staff
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Chief Executive OfficerLuke initially joined Maitri as a Grants Manager in 2014. Following a stint as Head of Programmes, he became CEO in 2021. -
Head of OperationsLillian leads on Maitri’s finance and operations, having joined the team in August 2020. -
Head of Impact & EngagementKirsty joined Maitri as a Grants Manager in June 2018, before joining the senior leadership team in June 2022. -
Head of ProgrammesPaula joined the team in March 2023 as Grants Manager, before becoming Head of Programmes in December 2024. She leads on Maitri's portfolio of partnerships across India and South Africa. -
Grants ManagerNatalie has been with Maitri since July 2016. As a Grants Manager, she manages a portfolio of Maitri's partnerships in India. -
Communications & Engagement ManagerKirsty joined the team in August 2021, establishing Maitri's communications function.
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