IDP Education has announced a refreshed regional leadership structure designed to strengthen collaboration across its global network, enhance alignment between markets and position the organisation for continued growth.
The changes bring together complementary markets under an updated regional model, enabling closer collaboration, stronger capability sharing and greater responsiveness in a rapidly evolving international education landscape.
To support the new structure, IDP has made a series of senior leadership appointments that draw on the organisation's deep leadership capability and extensive regional experience.
Effective 1 July 2026, Raja Sood has been appointed Regional Director, South Asia, while continuing to lead North Asia. Jane Li has been promoted to Regional Director, Southeast Asia and Australasia, and will join IDP's Global Leadership Team (GLT). Imad Chaoui's remit has also expanded to include the Middle East, Africa, Europe, CIS, Canada and Latin America.
These appointments reinforce IDP's commitment to developing internal talent, maintaining strong regional leadership and delivering consistent outcomes.
Raja Sood to lead South Asia and North Asia
Raja returns to South Asia, where his career with IDP began more than 15 years ago. Throughout his tenure, he has held a range of senior leadership roles across client services, marketing and operations, building deep expertise across some of IDP's most important markets.
Most recently, he has overseen the expansion of IELTS testing across China, helping establish a growing network of test centres delivering high-quality experiences for customers.
In his expanded role, Raja will lead both South Asia and North Asia, supporting stronger regional alignment and continued growth.
Jane Li to lead Southeast Asia and Australasia and join the GLT
Jane’s promotion follows a 17-year career with IDP, during which she has built a reputation for strong leadership and a focus on customer outcomes. She joined IDP in 2008 to lead the Australian student services business and has since guided teams through significant market shifts, including regulatory change and post-pandemic recovery.
In her new role, Jane will lead a combined Southeast Asia and Australasia region and join the Global Leadership Team.
Expanded remit for Imad Chaoui
Imad Chaoui will assume leadership of an expanded region encompassing the Middle East, Africa, Europe, CIS, Canada and Latin America.
Bringing these markets together reflects closer alignment in operating models and time zones, supporting greater collaboration, stronger capability sharing and increased agility in responding to customer and market needs.
Positioning IDP for the future
The refreshed regional structure strengthens collaboration across IDP's global network while positioning the organisation to respond to changing market conditions and future opportunities.
IDP Chief Executive Officer, Tennealle O’Shannessy, said the appointments reflect the depth of leadership within the organisation and its focus on long-term growth.
“These appointments demonstrate the strength of our people and our commitment to developing leaders who understand what matters most to our customers and partners,” she said.
The new regional structure and leadership appointments takes effect from 1 July 2026, with transition plans underway across all regions.