Our Team

The Commission is supported by a dedicated, talented and experienced team which drives our work forward. The team supports our four workstreams, and other activity in line with our strategy and long-term objectives.

Claire Tunley

Chief Executive

Claire Tunley is the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Skills Commission, appointed in May 2020.

Prior to this role, Claire was Head of Skills at City of London Corporation leading on skills and talent policy. In this role, Claire was seconded to the Financial Services Skills Taskforce as subject matter expert on skills; led the creation of a sector deal on apprenticeships between the Professional Business Services Council and government; worked with the Government Equalities Office to create an action-based guide on supporting women’s progression in the work place; and created an innovative partnership with local schools to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain a professional financial services qualification.

Claire has worked in skills and economic development in both local and central government roles for over 20 years. Claire is a member of the Institute of Leadership and Management and is a governor of a secondary academy located in an area of deprivation and is the nominated lead governor for careers.

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Katharina Ehrhart

Policy and Research Manager

Katharina Ehrhart, Policy and Research Manager, Financial Services Skills Commission

Katharina has been the Policy and Research Manager at the FSSC since February 2021, working collaboratively to solve complex questions. She leads on the future skills report and annual member survey and enjoys presenting her findings to big and small audiences – including as keynote speaker, podcast guest and panellist.

Her nine years of experience in the research world include roles at the City of London, London School of Economics, EU Commission and a consultancy in Paris.

Katharina speaks three languages and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science / European Studies. She alternates her hobbies depending on the season but cycles and swims outdoors year-round.

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Gregg Hutchings

Programme Director

Gregg joined the FSSC as Programme Director in November 2021. Gregg oversees the FSSC workstreams and projects, working closely with members to develop products and services.

Previously, Gregg was Head of Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at the FSCB. Gregg has held a range of policy and project management roles across the public, private and not for profit sectors.

When not running around the park with his kids, Gregg enjoys playing the trumpet, badly.

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Geisla Osei-Akoto

Operations & Events Executive

Geisla joined the Commission as Admin and Operations Executive in January 2022.

Geisla has acquired a portfolio of skills, spending 8 years at Goldman Sachs International with roles in Derivatives Operations and European Funds Board where she led the Governance and Oversight role of Goldman Sachs Asset Management mutual and alternative funds in Luxembourg, Ireland & Cayman Islands.

Geisla also has experience in Residential & Commercial Real Estate & Business Management. Prior to joining the Commission, Geisla was Senior Property Manager for a mixed portfolio in Central London, and before this she worked as the Commercial Director for Diversity & Inclusion expert & International Leadership Speaker, René Carayol MBE.

Geisla speaks three languages and enjoys concerts and watching her daughter play tennis.

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Matthew Young

Policy and Programme Executive

Matthew joined the FSSC in April 2022 as Policy and Programme Executive. He has worked in policy and public affairs for many years, specialising in developing policy solutions to complex challenges, across the public, private and voluntary sectors. He has previously worked for a number of representative bodies, including the Association of British Insurers, Motor Insurers’ Bureau and the Local Government Association. He has also spent a number of years in self-employment, consulting for a range of firms in the retail and financial services sectors. He holds a Masters degree in Politics and Administration from Birkbeck College. His interests include history, travel, architecture and art.

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Rob Kirby Financial Services Skills Commission

Rob Kirby

Marketing and Communications Manager

Rob is the FSSC’s Marketing and Communications Manager, leading our media, digital and events activity.

Most recently, Rob was Head of Communications at Ofwat, where he oversaw the regulator’s press office and external affairs. Prior to that, he was Senior Communications Manager at the Gambling Commission, leading communications for the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition. His previous experience includes communications roles in the transport and construction sectors.

Outside of work, Rob is the deputy chair of a non-profit community organisation, and enjoys spending free time looking after his allotment.

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Sam Mellis Financial Services Skills Commission

Sam Mellis

Secondee

Sam joined the Commission in November 2024 on secondment from our member firm EY, where he is a second-year graduate in the People Consulting practice.

Sam graduated from the University of Edinburgh, where he studied International Relations and International Law. During his time at EY, he has worked on communications and change management projects. He enjoys the process of crafting messages and campaigns that effect change in a business.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys reading and creative writing, and attending live music.

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