June O'Sullivan

Dr June O'Sullivan OBE is Chief Executive of the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) and the London Institute for Early Years, the largest and most successful charitable childcare social enterprise operating 43 award-winning nurseries in some of London’s most disadvantaged areas.

An inspiring, outspoken speaker, author, podcaster and regular media commentator on all things Early Years, Social Business and Child Poverty, June is a tireless ‘disruptor’, seeking new ways to influence policy and make society a better place for all children and their families.

With an excellent track record of initiating and leading innovation and award-winning growth, she created the UK’s first ever Social Enterprise Childcare Group in 2008.

June was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours in 2013, for her services to London’s children and an OBE in the King's Honours in 2023 for her services to Education. June is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Member of the London Mayor’s Business Advisory Board, Skills England and the Industry Advisory Group for UEL. June also sits on the Board for Book Trust and Upper Norwood Library Hub.

In 2021and 2025 June was delighted to be named ‘Social Enterprise Leader of the Year’, an award from the NatWest SE100 Index which recognises the most inspiring and influential leaders in social enterprise, impact investment and social innovation.

June is a published author, with an MA in Primary & Early Childhood Studies and MBA from London South Bank University. She completed her PhD in Sustainability with the University of Wolverhampton in 2024.