Inspirational Leader
Simon Hill, Managing Director, YPO
Simon Hill has been the driving force behind the continuing growth and success of YPO during the past 14 years.
Since he joined one of the UK’s largest public-sector buying organisations as managing director in 2011, Simon has remained dedicated to helping schools and public sector bodies get the most from their squeezed resources.
He has transformed YPO from an organisation known primarily for providing classroom supplies to one that can offer schools everything they need, from exercise books to maintenance frameworks.
The impact is felt far beyond YPO’s founder authority owners and associate members, who receive an annual dividend. YPO’s loyalty scheme has handed millions of pounds back to schools and MATs, and Simon has founded charity partnerships including one that has raised a six-figure sum for the NSPCC.
He has championed sustainability and communities by focusing on working with SMEs in procurement and helped 114 young people into the workplace through the YPO apprenticeship scheme he launched in 2012.
Simon is enthusiastic about his role within the community and is in great demand as a speaker. He has been on BESA’s Executive Council for more than nine years and served as chair in 2023-2024.
Seshni Jacobs, CEO, Hachette Learning
Seshni Jacobs, the visionary and dedicated CEO of Hachette Learning (formerly Hodder Education), is a transformative leader making a powerful impact on education. Driven by her belief that every learner should be empowered to embrace their uniqueness, Seshni is spearheading meaningful change within her company and throughout the industry.
Seshni’s passion for education is at the heart of her leadership. With deep roots in a family of teachers, she has always been herself an educator first, and her leadership is fuelled by an unwavering commitment to unlocking every learner’s unique potential. With a clear vision for the future of education, she inspires her team to innovate, embrace change and push boundaries. Under her direction, Hachette Learning is transforming from a traditional print publisher to a global digital solutions provider, creating products that support diverse learning journeys and enhance outcomes.
A mentor, thought leader, and advocate for change, Seshni is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, and fostering inclusivity. As Sponsor of Hachette UK’s Gender Balance Network, she advocates for balanced recruitment and career progression. Beyond this, she mentors colleagues across Hachette UK, offering thoughtful guidance, helping them grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
Ilesh Kotecha, Founder and Director, Technical One & Eleven Plus Exams Tuition
Ilesh Kotecha is the founder and CEO of two symbiotic ventures in education: Technical One Ltd (focused on EdTech development) and the award-winning Eleven Plus Exams Tuition Ltd (tuition providers). Ilesh’s goal has always been to provide clarity and exceptional educational resources for students and educators, especially those preparing for UK selective senior school entrance examinations.
Technical One has created in-person and online 11+ tuition courses serving thousands of students, over 70 11+ preparation books, hundreds of 11+ mock exams, and a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Ilesh’s companies’ success is evident, with 90% of Eleven Plus Exams Tuition’s students securing their first or second school choice each year, including notable success in super-selective schools.
Having attended five UK universities, including both Oxford and Cambridge, Ilesh is passionate about education, be it post-graduates at a business school or primary-age children preparing for their entrance exams.
Ilesh is recognised as a thought leader in the EdTech sector and Technical One continues to innovate in the world of 11+ tutoring with its comprehensive resources and services, and its commitment to measurable outcomes.
Patrick McGrath, Head of Education Strategy for EMEA, Everway
Patrick (Paddy) McGrath, Head of Education Strategy for EMEA at Everway (formerly Texthelp), is a visionary leader who has transformed his team, organisation, and the wider education sector. With a clear mission for accessibility and inclusion, Patrick has driven year-on-year sales growth while ensuring Everway remains at the forefront of forward-thinking education strategies and industry innovation.
A passionate advocate for inclusive learning, Patrick works closely with government, policymakers, and industry associations to help shape the future of education. His leadership has fostered a high-performing, empowered, and deeply connected team, with some of the company’s top-performing salespeople and industry-leading efficiency levels.
Patrick leads by example, mentoring his team to keynote speaker status, supporting leaders of other companies across the organisation, and embracing change with resilience and adaptability. His phrase, “Necessary for Some, Useful for All,” has become a trademark for inclusion across the industry, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring education works for everyone.
With a genuine passion for people and progress, Patrick McGrath is a true changemaker, mentor, and industry leader, making him a worthy finalist for this award.