ISP: CENTRAL

Jo Pertwee

Group Head of People Operations 

Jo joined the International School Partnership (ISP) as Head of HR UK in May 2019 before she became Group Head of People Operations. Having grown up on the North Norfolk coast in the UK, Jo moved to London after graduating from the University of St Andrews. She joined the graduate training scheme at Harrods before moving into recruitment and then into generalist HR where, over time, she was responsible for areas as diverse as Fashion Accessories, the Stables, IT and Engineering! After 13 years at Harrods, Jo worked in consultancy for a couple of years and spent six years at Leica UK where her role combined HR and operational responsibilities.

With an interest in ethical and sustainable farming and food production, Jo is also Co-Chair of Trustees at Stepney City Farm in the East End of London. During her career, Jo has spoken at the Health and Wellbeing at Work Conference at the NEC in Birmingham and at the NCVO Christmas Reception in the House of Commons.

Jo is most passionate about the learning and development side of HR and her most recent “Amazing Learning” experience has been working towards a formal coaching qualification with the ICF.

Outside of work Jo loves photography, art, classical music and sport (particularly running, wild swimming, skiing and zipwires) as well spending time with her family and new dog.  She cycled 500km across France for charity and most Saturday mornings she can be found at her local Parkrun trying to get that elusive PB…