School Leadership

Mr. Nigel Fossey MBE has over 30 years of experience in education and brings a wealth of global leadership expertise and academic excellence to our community.

Born and educated in the UK, he has held senior leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, most recently serving as Principal of The Sultan’s School in Oman.

Mr. Fossey is a graduate of the University of Oxford (Brasenose College). He has also been a school Governor, has served on the Council of British International Schools Executive Committee and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. In addition, he held Board positions with The Association of British Schools Overseas and The British Chamber of Commerce in Panamá and is also a Trustee of The Global College of Engineering and Technology in Muscat.

A strong advocate of every child’s potential, Nigel has successfully introduced the High-Performance Learning framework in schools across Spain and Panama. In recognition of his contributions he was awarded an MBE for services to British education overseas in January 2024.

Dr. Gardner joins Wellington College Pune with exceptional experience from her previous posts at Wellington College UK and at a leading school in Cambridge, where she served as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

A distinguished historian, Dr. Gardner holds a BA and MLitt in Modern History and a PhD in Modern History from the University of Oxford. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, reflecting her deep engagement with scholarship and intellectual inquiry.

At Wellington College UK, she served as Head of Sixth Form and Director of Higher Education and Careers, working on curriculum development and academic enrichment. With degrees from leading universities and senior leadership roles at prestigious institutions, Dr. Gardner brings academic rigour and a deep commitment to education.

In Cambridge, she played a leading role in that school’s ten-year strategic review, advanced careers and higher education provision through a new Futures Curriculum, and was widely commended for strengthening parent engagement and communication.

Dr. Gardner’s educational philosophy emphasises curiosity, ambition and wellbeing. She believes in fostering a community where pupils grow intellectually and personally through challenge and collaboration, guided by clarity, fairness and empathy in leadership. Her vision for WCI Pune is rooted in intellectual challenge, collaboration and clarity in leadership, a true reflection of the Wellington ethos.

Ms Katherine Kelly is a highly accomplished educational leader with over 25 years of experience in primary education. As the Head of Primary School at Wellington College International Pune, she leads the Early Years and Junior School (from Pre-Nursery to Year 6).

Before joining WCI Pune, Ms Kelly served as the Head of School (Primary) at Woodmansterne School in London. Throughout her career, she has been recognised for driving academic excellence, fostering inclusive learning environments, and developing high-performing teams.

Ms Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in education from Lancaster University and a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). She brings a wealth of expertise in curriculum leadership, school governance, and staff development.

Passionate about student-centred learning, Ms Kelly is committed to creating engaging and nurturing environments where every child can flourish and reach their full potential"

Ms Kasthoorie Kumanan joined WCI Pune in 2023 as a Mathematics Teacher and has been a KS4 Coordinator from 2025-26, leading the Mathematics Department with dedication and distinction. A passionate educator with a global outlook, she brings over 12 years of teaching experience across the United Kingdom, Malaysia, South America, and the Middle East. Her diverse international experience has enriched her approach to teaching and learning, enabling her to inspire pupils from varied cultural backgrounds. As Assistant Head – Academics and Head of Mathematics, she is committed to driving academic excellence, nurturing pupil potential, and fostering a lifelong love for mathematics and learning.

We are delighted to announce Mr. Malhar Joshi as the new Bursar of Wellington College International Pune

Mr Joshi brings decades of experience at J.P. Morgan as an Executive Director and is an alumnus of IIM-Bangalore. He has completed the Executive General Management Programme and also holds a CFO Certification from the Indian School of Business.

He has vast experience in the fields of Finance and Business Leadership, overseeing FP&A, programme management, and CFO functions with strategic clarity and operational rigour.

At WCI Pune, Mr Joshi will oversee all non-academic operations, working closely with departmental heads to strengthen accountability and process efficiency, and increase operational excellence across the College."

Colonel Rao (Retd) brings over three decades of experience from his service in the Indian Army, followed by significant roles in the corporate sector with companies like UltraTech and Himatsingka Linens, where he led the administration department. His extensive management experience encompasses security, facilities management, food and beverage services, employee transport and accommodation, travel desk operations, landscaping, housekeeping, and occupational health services.

Col. Rao was responsible for designing standard operating procedures (SOPs), establishing policies, and coordinating administrative activities across various internal and external departments.

At Wellington College International Pune, he provides leadership and guidance in finance, purchasing, human resources, facilities management, compliance, marketing and admissions, information technology, and school services. He holds a Master’s degree in science from the University of Pune.

Ms. Neha Jamwal brings over 15 years of experience in operations and human resources within prestigious academic institutions. She notably spent twelve years as one of the HR leads at one of Mumbai's leading international schools, excelling in hiring, performance management, policy implementation, employee engagement, retention, and overall lifecycle management.

Neha holds a degree from the HR College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai, as well as a Master’s degree in human resource management from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies in Pune.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, and engaging in crafts with her 6-year-old, reflecting her passion and creativity in both her career and personal life.

Mr. Vikram Soni brings with him 15 years of rich and diverse experience in marketing and institutional growth with prestigious schools and institutions. He also holds an MBA from William Carey University, Shillong. Mr. Soni has consistently demonstrated strong leadership in building brand presence and driving strategic outreach.

In his role, Mr. Soni will immediately lead and line-manage the Marketing Department, while gradually taking charge of Admissions. He will oversee all aspects of marketing and brand outreach, including communications, events, corporate relations, and engagement initiatives. Working closely with the in-house team, he will also guide efforts across newsletters, social media, student retention strategies, and admissions planning.

With a career devoted to Marketing and Admissions, Mr. Soni will play a key role in representing the school externally and strengthening our positioning within the wider community. Along with his academic rigour, he also interests himself in cooking, hiking, travelling and watching movies. As a man of many interests and capabilities, we look forward to his leadership and contributions in further enhancing our growth and visibility.

Dr Khyati Khoda has been a valued member of the WCI Pune community since 2023, serving as a Senior School English Teacher and, for the past two years, as KS3 Coordinator. As one of the founding members of the academic team, she has played a key role in shaping the school’s academic culture. With over a decade of experience in English language and literature education, she is a published author, IB Examiner and Moderator, and Cambridge IGCSE Examiner. As Head of English, she is committed to inspiring a lifelong love for literature and nurturing confident, articulate, and compassionate learners.

Ms Mayuri Gavali joined WCI Pune in 2025 as a Computer Teacher in the Senior School. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science, along with a Bachelor of Education degree, and brings over 14 years of teaching experience in secondary education. As Head of Computer Science, she leads the planning and delivery of the curriculum across year groups and supports pupils’ academic progress, along with leading the AI initiatives in the school. She is responsible for maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, overseeing curriculum development, promoting digital literacy, supporting colleagues, and contributing to the wider academic and pastoral life of the school.

Ms Minal Verma joined WCI Pune in 2024 as a French Teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in French and is DELF B2 certified, with eight years of teaching experience. As KS4 Coordinator, she plays a vital role in managing, monitoring, and enhancing student progress in Years 10 and 11. She provides both academic and pastoral leadership, including overseeing the Wellbeing programme and leading the Form Tutors for these year groups. Ms Verma also works closely with the KS3 team to ensure a seamless transition into Key Stage 4 and supports pupils throughout their IGCSE journey.

Ms Vidushi Sharma joined WCI Pune in 2026 as a Computer Teacher in the Senior School. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Information Technology, a Cambridge Primary Computing certificate, and a British Teaching Diploma. With eight years of teaching experience, she brings a strong academic and pastoral approach to her role. As KS3 Coordinator, she oversees student progress and wellbeing across Years 7 to 9, leads the Form Tutor team, and coordinates the Wellbeing programme. She also works closely with Primary and KS4 colleagues to ensure smooth transitions and continuity in pupils’ learning journeys.

A thought leader in the field of education, Mr. Anuj Aggarwal has a strong focus on preparing students to be confident, enterprising and wholesome personalities who can face the challenges of life, while being assets to any organization they choose to associate with.

Mr. Aggarwal holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Said Business School, University of Oxford.

Anuj Aggarwal is an incisive ‘edupreneur’ and humanitarian, widely credited with being one of the pioneers in changing the educational landscape of the region, dating back to over two decades. A secondgeneration entrepreneur, he is driven by the core philosophy of infusing ‘Growth with Goodness’ through his vision of nation-building. Nation-building, for him, means transforming the educational landscape of India by playing an instrumental role in creating institutions of transformational education that will continue to influence and nurture the country’s youth for decades to come.

He is a visionary committed to revolutionising the framework of Indian education in the K-12 category. He spearheads the collaboration between the Unison Group and Wellington College, UK.

His growing reputation is built on recognized academic quality, commitment, accountability and integrity. He brings this deep expertise in education to bear on premium education segment in our country.

Mr. Aditya Burman is a 6th generation member of the Burman family and is a Director on the board of Dabur India Ltd, one of India’s largest and most diverse consumer goods maker. A Chemistry Graduate from the University of Kansas (US), Aditya is part of the team providing strategic direction to Dabur’s businesses spread across 120 countries.

Aditya began his career as an intern at Dabur Pharma, a family-owned Oncology-focussed pharmaceutical firm under his father Dr. Anand C. Burman. Determined to bring Indian products to the world, Aditya worked towards expanding the company’s footprint in the overseas markets and was soon in charge of its Sales and Marketing in Latin America. Under his stewardship, Dabur Pharma emerged as a leading research-driven pharmaceutical firm with a global presence. The company was subsequently sold to Fresenius Kabi in 2008.

He is also a Director on the board of Oncquest Laboratories, a Clinical Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics company with a focus in Oncology and Genetics. After the sale of Dabur Pharma, Aditya focussed his energy on building Oncquest as the preferred reference laboratory for physicians, hospitals and research bodies. He was also instrumental in streamlining operations, strengthening its research function, and giving it a pan-India presence to drive growth. He also serves on the board of Dabur Nepal Pvt Ltd, besides being a prior President of the Delhi Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global network exclusively for entrepreneurs. He has also been instrumental in putting Sustainability and Human Capital at the center of all the businesses he has managed to bring about a positive change for Planet and People.

Born in January 1980, Aditya lives in Delhi with his Wife, Shivani, and Daughter, Ariana. Together they support several charities in the Health Care and Health Awareness space. He has also been actively involved with agencies in supporting children suffering from Cancer.

Joel Worrall joins Wellington College International with almost 25 years of experience in premium UK independent schools, throughout England, in mainland China and the Middle East. Joel has held senior leadership roles for fifteen years, with Headships of three schools, both in the UK and internationally. His previous roles have included both long-established British institutions and the development of greenfield international sites - as part of the founding team for Fettes College and King’s College School. He is a science undergraduate of Auckland University, with a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and currently studying for the NPQEL. He is a supporter and elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Formerly the Chair of the Pre Senior Baccalaureate charitable trust, he remains involved in a non-executive role as an overseas ambassador. Joel is also a qualified schools Inspector and former UK Primary School governor - he is passionate about developing holistic and values-driven education as a means for students to flourish academically.

Away from school, Joel is an enthusiastic sportsman and supporter of club sport - particularly cricket, rugby and golf. His early background in professional sport, including a coaching staff role with Lancashire County Cricket, has established an ethos of teamwork and the value that can be derived when the whole is truly greater than a sum of its parts.

Mr. Paul Vanni joined Wellington College International in September 2024 having spent 25 years working across a range of schools in London including the prestigious St Paul’s School and St Paul’s Girls’ School where he was Director of School (Senior Deputy) for seven years.

In addition, Paul has considerable experience of setting up and leading new schools. In 2018, Paul became the founding Head of Kensington Park School, a co- educational, 11-18 day and boarding school in central London backed by overseas investors. He has since worked with St Paul’s Girls’ School International and their partners on the SPGSI Shengbo project in China. Paul joins us from Dukes Education where he led the successful OFSTED registration of London Park School Clapham. He has significant experience of independent school governorship across both the prep and secondary age ranges. He was for many years an ISI inspector and has been a principal examiner with Cambridge International Examinations.

Paul has a First-Class degree from University College London in Modern European Studies, a Master’s degree in French literature, and a PGCE from Cambridge. He is fluent in French and Italian, and in his free time enjoys hiking, coaching rowing, traveling, and supporting Brentford Football Club.

Resham Chordia is a dynamic young business leader, serving as a Director for several Panchshil group companies. Resham is an accomplished professional with an MBA from the esteemed Yale University School of Management and a graduate of the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce. Before returning to Pune in 2019, she worked at GreenOak Real Estate, a global private equity fund headquartered in New York, where she excelled in capital raising and business development. Her extensive experience in finance and real estate along with her experience as project coordinator for the Pavillion Mall and the prestigious Ritz Carlton Hotel Pune, has been an instrumental value-add for her current role, overseeing asset management for Panchshil's commercial portfolio.

Resham is passionate about incorporating principles of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) into Panchshil's operations. She spearheads the group's new ESG initiative, to reinforce Panchshil's ability to bring global norms and benchmarks to India. Resham also oversees key core business verticals and drives internal strategic structuring, with a focus on creating impact beyond the bottom line. As head of the HR department, she has launched and executed various programs such as a Performance Management System, KPIs & KRAs for all departments, Learning & Development Platform, re-developing an end-to-end in-house HRMS platform, and enabling multiple employee engagement and enrichment initiatives.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, Resham plays a critical role in providing strategic guidance and support to Panchshil's ancillary businesses, such as Ventive, Lifestyle Interiors, and Spazio. Resham's commitment to innovation and creativity is evident in her successful execution of interiors for special projects. She has built a dedicated team that creates unique and beautiful spaces while guiding the landscape team to add greenery to every space. In addition to working closely with investors to raise funding for new projects, Resham is also responsible for overseeing the Facilities Management department and spearheading major renovations and refurbishments, while driving LEED O&M and British Safety Council certification.

Resham's vision for Panchshil Realty extends beyond the bottom line, as she aims to increase efficiency and streamlined processes while making Panchshil the best place to work for every employee. She is committed to making Panchshil the market leader in energy-efficient buildings and setting new benchmarks via a practical and progressive ESG strategy and implementation.

Aside from her professional pursuits, Resham is dedicated to philanthropic and charitable initiatives, with a particular interest in education and culture. In her free time, Resham enjoys reading, travelling, and spending quality time with her family. Her passion for exploring buildings, architecture, and structures, combined with her astute observation of how people interact with spaces, inspires her to continually learn and innovate.