Cleo Blackman

Cleo Blackman MBE is a seasoned development professional with extensive experience in international development, governance, and humanitarian assistance. Currently serving as Principal Consultant at Itad since June 2023, Blackman holds a Trustee position at War Child UK and previously acted as the Director of Operations for the Centre for Disaster Protection until June 2023. Notable roles also include Principal and Co-Lead of the Governance Practice at DAI, and Director of Programmes at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where Blackman oversaw project design and evaluation. An accomplished policy adviser, Blackman has worked with the Department for International Development (DFID), focusing on MENA strategies and gender empowerment initiatives. Educationally, Blackman earned an MSc in Development Studies (Distinction) from Birkbeck, University of London, and a BA in English and American Literature from the University of Kent.