King’s Trust International is delighted to announce the appointment of three new Trustees, Mete Coban MBE, Joanna Schmidt Riley, and Naushad Jivraj, marking a pivotal moment in our international expansion as we progress towards our strategic goal of empowering one million young people over the next decade. 

Each new Trustee brings valuable experience across youth advocacy, technology, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, enhancing our mission to empower young people to learn, earn and thrive. 

Mete Coban is Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy and a leading advocate for youth participation in politics. He founded My Life My Say, led the “Give an X” campaign, and he previously drove major climate and community energy initiatives as a Hackney Councillor. 

Joanna Schmidt Riley is an experienced nonprofit advisor with a background in global finance. She has held advisory roles with organisations including Room to Read and Facing History and Ourselves, and co-founded the Impact London Collective to support charities for women and girls. Her career spans Accenture and over a decade at Goldman Sachs. 

Naushad Jivraj brings more than 40 years of leadership in hospitality, leisure, and property, along with extensive voluntary service within the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network. He has previously chaired FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance Europe and served as President of the Ismaili Council for the UK and Europe. 

Welcoming the appointments, Will Straw, CEO of Kings Trust International, said: 

“Mete, Joanna and Naushad bring exceptional expertise and passion for empowering young people. Their leadership will play a vital role as we broaden our impact globally.” 

Find out more about our Board of Trustees.