Cheryl Thornton

Cheryl is a C-Suite leader with multi-sector experience and more than 25 years working in the education, not-for-profit, retail, real estate, banking, investment and aviation sectors. She has worked across several jurisdictions including the UK, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and Africa.

Presently, Cheryl is working in the banking sector leading people strategies for growth, change management, culture, and technology transformations.

Cheryl has an MBA and Bachelor of Education from the University of New England, Australia. Her professional qualifications include Fellows with the Chartered Management Institute; CIPD UK; Institute of Management & Leaders UK; Learning and Performance Institute UK; and Australian Human Resource Institute.

Cheryl is active in the international and local communities. She is a reputed Adjunct Lecturer and Assessor with the PwC Academy Middle East, an Assessor with the Dubai Quality Group and a Mentor with the Cherie Blair Foundation and Al Ghurair Foundation for Education. Cheryl is also a Panel Judge for the prestigious Emirates Women’s Awards; MEED Gulf Awards; and CIPD Middle East People Awards.

Cheryl is an experienced international Board member with several not-for-profit organizations in the sectors of education, people of determination, technology, and social impact initiatives.

Cheryl comes from Australia, is married, and has one son. She has lived in the UAE since 2005 and is a passionate advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.