Our team: Meet the people who work hard to represent you
Our team is at your service. If you want to speak to someone about joining Ukie, government policies, research, using our office space or about how to get the best from your membership, get in touch with us via the contacts below.
Kirstie Russell
Office Manager
I'm here to handle the day-to-day running of the Ukie office. Contact me if you have any general queries or want to make a room booking.
Dominic Shaw
Ukie
EDI Coordinator
I head up Ukie's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work, including administering the #RaiseTheGame pledge.
Sophie Mangara
Operations Manager
I'm here to handle the day-to-day running of the Ukie's operations. Contact me if you have any general queries.
Dr Jo Twist OBE
CEO
I've been CEO of Ukie since 2012. Before this I was Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor for Education, where I commissioned Digital Emmy-winning Battlefront II, free to play browser and iOS games, (Sweatshop, Nomnation and International Racing Squirrels) and social media projects. I'm a London Tech Ambassador, a VP of Special Effect, and am on various boards and advisory groups, including the Bafta Games Committee.
John Parry
Communications & Marketing Officer
I’ve always had a passion for marketing, so being able to take up an apprenticeship was the best way to get into the industry. After completing my apprenticeship Ukie, I'm now very happy to be full time in my role here.
Dan Wood
Special Projects Lead
I lead on special projects and esports at Ukie. I was previously Ukie’s COO and Head of Public Affairs where I led our work on many of the big issues facing the games sector including getting computer science on to the national curriculum and the introduction of the video games tax relief. I led the successful bid to the GLA to create the new London Games Festival, wrote Ukie's esports Whitepaper, sit on the Women in Games Advisory Board and most recently delivered the #RaiseTheGame diversity pledge.
Laura Martin
Communications & Programme Manager, Digital Schoolhouse
I joined Digital Schoolhouse in June 2017. With a background in Charity & Events, I have experience delivering for not-for-profit programmes. Loving all things arty & crafty, unplugged Digital Schoolhouse activities are a perfect excuse for me to get creative with the likes of play dough again!
Leon Cliff
Member Relations Manager
I joined Ukie in April 2018 as Member Relations Officer. I graduated from Liverpool John Moores University in 2016 where I undertook a sandwich course involving a placement year at Warner Bros. Upon graduating I worked at Sky on a 2-year graduate scheme across various departments within the business.
Luke Hebblethwaite
Insight & Innovation Manager
I lead a data-driven approach to Ukie’s policy, advocacy and engagement work and am involved in a range of initiatives to provide authoritative industry information, including running the UK Games Map, representing the games sector in cross-sector working groups and producing all Ukie’s independent research, such as the annual UK consumer games market valuation. I also run Ukie’s Mixed Reality Subgroup, which provides support, guidance, promotion and networking opportunities for Ukie members working in the VR/AR/MR sector. I can usually be found playing Doom.
Mo Ali
IP Coordinator
I’ve been working in IP Infringement/Content Protection since 2003 so have a wealth of knowledge on how to stop IP theft. Work closely with other creative sectors to ensure the UK is leading the fight against infringing sites so get in touch if you want to know more about how we can help.
Sam Collins
Head of Commercial and Membership
’m the Head of Commercial and Membership at Ukie, responsible for recruiting and supporting members and helping them thrive. My 20+ years industry experience includes stints at start-up developers through to international publishers working in a variety of commercial roles.
My superpowers include connecting people and international trade.
Shahneila Saeed
Head of Education; Director, Digital Schoolhouse
I’ve been with Ukie since 2014 and have been responsible for designing and implementing Ukie’s flagship Digital Schoolhouse powered by PlayStation programme. Before this I was Head of Computing for Graveney School and am a founding board member for Computing At School; here I was an active part of shaping and writing the new National Curriculum for Computing in schools. I currently represent our industry in a range of groups including the Digital Skills Partnership – Computing in Schools Working Group.
Tim Scott
Head of Policy & Public Affairs
Tim joined the Ukie team as Head of Public Affairs in March 2017. Prior to this I spent ten years in the UK Civil Service leading on Creative Industries and tech policy in the Cabinet Office and Department for Culture, Media and Sport where I was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Video Games Tax Relief and the NextGen report.
George Osborn
Head of Communications
I'm responsible for setting Ukie's communication strategy, keeping on top of press requests and helping manage Ukie's public image. I used to run my own content marketing business, have worked as a journalist and even pitched in on a live football results show.
Estelle Ashman
Curriculum Content Developer
Estelle joined Ukie in 2019 and is the Curriculum Content Developer for Ukie's flagship Digital Schoolhouse programme. She is also a part time Computer Science teacher at Gildredge House in Eastbourne. Where, before embarking on her pioneering hybrid role, she was also Head of Computer Science. Estelle has a large Hello Kitty collection, plays the bass guitar and loves karaoke!
Grace Shin
Policy and Events Officer
I joined Ukie in October 2018 as a Policy and Events Intern after graduating in History from the University of York. I regularly assist with games sector policy issues, government consultation responses, parliamentary affairs, and general Ukie events. I also lead on written content for our current ‘30 Years of Play’ campaign. With a passion for both games and policy, I hope to help the UK games industry maintain and grow its position as a global leader.
Sophia Aker
Programme Coordinator, Digital Schoolhouse
I joined Ukie in November 2018 as Digital Schoolhouse Programme Coordinator Intern. Having recently graduated university, I’ve had brief work experience in PR, lobbying and with non-profits. With no prior experience in education, I am now enjoying learning about the importance of connecting education and industry.
Katie Davies
Ukie
Accountant
Katie is Ukie's Accountant and is in-charge of fees, invoices and all money. Get in touch.
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