Meet the team

June O’Sullivan MBE

Chief Executive

June has led the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) as CEO since 2006.

June is an inspiring speaker, author and regular media commentator on Early Years, social business and child poverty, who has been instrumental in achieving a major strategic, pedagogical and cultural shift for the award-winning LEYF. This has resulted in an increased profile, new childcare model and stronger social impact over the past 15 years.

June was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2013, for her services to London’s children.

Mike Abbott

Director of Operations

Mike joined LEYF in January 2018. He has over 30 years of commercial experience in drinks sales, food retail and Early Years nurseries.

Having worked at director level for Aldi in both purchasing and logistics roles, Mike moved into a store operations role at the Co-op, where he was responsible for 165 convenience food stores. He then moved to lead the newly acquired Childcare Nursery business, which grew from six to 51 nurseries rated Outstanding or Good by Ofsted.

Mike was a member of the Midcounties Co-op executive team and has been a board member of the National Day Nurseries Association. He holds an MBA from the University of Warwick.

Kevin Dyson

Director of Finance

Kevin joined LEYF in 2020 and heads up the Finance and IT teams.

Having qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte, Kevin has over 30 years’ experience in senior finance and operational roles.

He spent 12 years in private equity-backed healthcare and education businesses, including Witherslack Group, ICP Nurseries and Tunstall Healthcare.

Kevin has also worked for a global mobile phone service provider and for various divisions of GE Capital in the UK, US and France.

Sally Clark

Head of Marketing & Communications

Sally has headed up the Marketing & Communications function at LEYF since 2018.

She leads on digital and offline marketing and advertising, external and internal communications, website and brand.

Sally previously worked in the charity sector for over 15 years, including roles at senior level at Blood Cancer UK and National Children’s Bureau.

Before moving into the not-for-profit sector, Sally spent 15 years in senior roles as a journalist on national publications.

Sally holds an MSc in Charity Marketing & Fundraising from Bayes (previously Cass) Business School.

Samantha Jones

Head of Executive Office

Sam joined LEYF in November 2022. She has 10 years experience as a PA/EA, having worked in a number of different sectors including Education, MET, Rail, Healthcare and Music.

Sam graduated in 2013 with a degree in Music from the University of Essex and decided to pursue the path of arts administration including event assistance, PR and artist management. Gradually she took on more responsibility and chose to focus on becoming an Executive Assistant. During her career so far, she has worked with companies such as the London Symphony Orchestra, UAL, CEME and Avanti West Coast Partnership.

Melanie Wright

Director of People and Culture

Mel joined LEYF in June 2023 to focus on ensuring a positive and rewarding experience for all our LEYF employees. After a career change from librarianship into HR, she brings over 20 years experience across the tech, fintech, manufacturing, food and drink sectors. Mel has held senior positions in companies such as Nutmeg Savings and Investments, Britvic Soft Drinks and Gousto. She has also worked as a contractor for companies such as WeWork via her own consultancy.