A renowned educational establishment with centres all over the world is expanding its regional operations in the Middle East and South Asia.

Global Education Management Systems (GEMS) has just announced its growth plans as well as the addition of two new members to its management team – John Mason, head of the group's Asian schools in South Asia and the Middle East, and John Marshall, business development manager.

GEMS is a member of the Varkey Group and manages a widening network of international schools, supported by offices in the UK, UAE, India and soon in the United States.

With its growing operations, the company opened offices earlier this year in London, from where it manages its UK and European operations, in addition to similar operations in India.

John Mason has over 35 years of experience in education, and was head of the Doon School for seven years directly preceding his appointment to GEMS. His previous school management experience includes his position as the Principal of the Modern High School, Dubai, a GEMS managed school, for four years before joining the prestigious Doon School in April 1996.

He was also Head of the St. James School, Calcutta, for 14 years and a member of the Standing Committee on Examinations of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. He is also the author of a number of textbooks published by Oxford University Press.

He said: "I am delighted to participate in the expansion of GEMS in the region, and to support the expansion plans for India where GEMS recently opened offices in Pune aimed at spearheading the development of GEMS managed schools in the country."

John Marshall was the Commercial Director at the Berlin-based British International School where he established the school and held the position for six years before joining GEMS.

His experience covers a variety of areas including the high-tech sector and currency and equity trading with Banque Indosuez in the City of London where he was also involved in international trade financing.

"GEMS has developed a unique approach to education that combines new levels of service together with their core educational values of world citizenship, 'universal values', leadership qualities and forward thinking," he said.