Sophie Ryan
CEO
Sophie is the CEO of Sony Foundation Australia, the charity arm of the Sony Group of Companies. She has a passion for business and philanthropy and believes the two should be inextricably linked.
Sophie enjoys developing creative and innovative ways in which to solve social problems and is fortunate to work in an environment in which this is not only encouraged, but essential. She has worked with such a diverse range of people both in Australia and overseas during her time at the United Nations working in criminal justice in both Vienna and Sudan, as an assistant to the UN Special Rapportuer for Torture and as a lawyer with Allens Linklaters. Sophie has come to appreciate the value of collaboration and the importance of partnerships when generating real change.
Sophie commenced as CEO of the Sony Foundation in 2010.
Sarah Potts
General Manager
Sarah joined Sony Foundation in the role of General Manager early 2024.
Prior to this, Sarah was employed by SCA, home of digital audio network, LiSTNR and Triple M & Hit networks, for 15 years and held various roles during this time, most recently, General Manager of the Sydney and Central Coast operations. During her time at SCA, Sarah created and managed the company’s corporate social responsibility program, "SCA Embrace".
Sarah manages the You Can Stay program operations, media partnerships and oversees events, communications, and special campaigns. Sarah is deeply committed to Sony Foundation’s aim of improving young Australian’s health and wellbeing through positive experiences and social change and firmly believes that all businesses have the potential to create meaningful and sustainable positive change across Australia.
Karen White
Partnership Manager
Karen has held positions across Sony Foundation since 2012, including her current role of Partnership Manager since 2016.
Karen is responsible for the operation of Sony Foundation’s Children’s Holiday Camp Program, Corporate Partnerships and Sony Foundation's volunteering program. Prior to Sony Foundation, Karen held volunteer roles with Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia.
She graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce, and is passionate about disability advocacy and corporate and community volunteering.
Grace Quinn
National Events Manager
Grace is a dedicated events and experience manager with a background in creating experiences for C-suite executives across Australia in the media industry and beyond. Grace has been with Sony Foundation as the Events Manager since 2022.
Grace graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney with a Bachelor of Management in Events and Leisure, and since 2016 has managed end-to-end planning and delivery of events and partnerships in the corporate sector.
She is passionate about creating memorable moments and bringing people together to share their stories, while being able to contribute to the impactful programs within the Foundation. Grace manages Sony Foundation's national '4Ward' event series, along with other events, programs and fundraising activities throughout the year for the Foundation.
Thomas Peabody
Communications Manager
Thomas is passionate about philanthropy and collaboration. Since 2019, Thomas has held the role of Communications Manager/Executive at Sony Foundation Australia.
Prior to Sony Foundation, Thomas worked at arts not-for-profit ‘Sculpture by the Sea’, and has been involved with other NFPs including Roses in the Ocean.
He graduated from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Law, and a Bachelor of Creative Industries. Thomas is a member of the 'NEXUS Australia and Philanthropy Australia Next Generation of Giving Volunteer Steering Committee'.
April Maciel
Administration Coordinator
April joined Sony Foundation in 2024 with over six years of administration experience, particularly providing support to executives.
Currently serving as an Administration Coordinator at Sony Foundation, she excels in managing complex schedules and coordinating events.
Before joining Sony Foundation, April worked as a PA in London (UK Mission Enterprise), where she honed her skills in fostering strong relationships and managing event logistics. After spending 18 months traveling, she gained a broader perspective on the importance of community support, inspiring her to actively volunteer and work with charities, particularly within counseling initiatives.
Angela Connor
Finance Assistant
Angela is responsible for the Finance Function at Sony Foundation. She joined the team in 2024.
Angela’s initial engagement with the Foundation was as a volunteer at one of the Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camps. She saw first hand the incredible community benefits provided by the Foundation and is passionate about helping young Australians in need.
She has many years of financial experience working in both the commercial and not for profit sectors. Angela is a Chartered Accountant who holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Auckland University, and her commitment to financial integrity and transparency drives her efforts to ensure the Foundation can effectively make a difference in the lives of young Australians.
