Our People
David Tate
Executive Chairman
David currently holds the position of Executive Chairman at The Pacific Institute®. As the former Managing Director, he was instrumental in establishing the company in the UK in 1982 and was responsible for all strategic operations right up until 2004, when he retired. He remains an invaluable part of the organisation and provides ongoing vision, support and guidance.
Dr. Neil Straker
Managing Director
With an extensive background in senior levels of education, Neil joined The Pacific Institute® in 1996 and played a vital role in developing our activity in that sector. Neil was appointed Managing Director in 2004 and has done a tremendous job in taking the organisation forward, with a 21st century mindset and the highest standards of professionalism. Neil is passionate about the work we do and his enthusiasm for making a difference permeates through the entire organisation as a result.
Richie Cameron
Head of Business Development
Richie joined The Pacific Institute® in 2000, having previously held a senior leadership role in the economic development sector in Scotland. Richie had experienced The Pacific Institute’s® curriculum as a client and was hugely impressed with its potential to impact on the lives of individuals, communities and organisations. He currently holds the position of Head of Business Development and is responsible for strategically coordinating the work being done with new and existing clients throughout the UK and Ireland. His expertise is second to none and is matched only by his commitment to enabling change with TPI’s stakeholder groups.
Lynne Oliver
Head of Products, Processes and Quality (PPQ)
With an eye for detail and a determination to ensure world-class systems, products and processes within The Pacific Institute®, Lynne currently coordinates and manages The Pacific Institute’s® PPQ function. Having an extensive background in vocational education and training for over 20 years, she has worked extensively with the public, private and voluntary sectors on change management, leadership and competency. She has been with TPI since 2006 and plays a significant role in guiding the strategic vision of the company, both in the UK and at a global level. Lynne is a member of TPI’s International Curriculum & Standards Committee and chairs the Global Advisory Committee.
Desire’ Nel
Head of Operations
Desire’ joined The Pacific Institute® in 2005 as a key member of the operations team. In early 2008 she assumed the role of Head of Operations and was subsequently appointed to the leadership team. Her background in Human Resources Management and Psychology give her an ideal grounding for this role and her proven strategic skills have added tremendous value to the organisation. Desire’ leads our operations team, and the smooth running of TPI UK is enhanced by her talent and infectious enthusiasm.
Hong Cheng
Financial Controller
Having joined The Pacific Institute® in 2008, Hong has proven an exceptional asset to the organisation. His keen analytical mind, and flair for working with numbers and finding solutions have allowed TPI to operate with clockwork precision in recent years. Hong has assumed further responsibility with his role on the extended leadership team and his contributions go beyond the financial aspects of the business. He is highly talented and provides great clarity in the day to day running of the organisation.
