Tommy Macdonald-Milner

Tommy is the Executive Chair of Edison Young People (EYP), having been the CEO from 2020 to the beginning of 2025. His business career spans nearly thirty years, with board level roles in the health, education & social care sectors. Following his time in the Army, Tommy started his business career with The Priory Group and BUPA Health Services.

For the last eighteen years he has led management teams backed by Private Equity. From 2007 to 2010 he was Chief Executive of Affinity Healthcare, a specialist mental health provider. From 2010 to 2013, he was then Chief Executive of Options Group, a children’s care and education business, consisting of the Young Options Pathway group, of a special day school, residential care homes, a fostering agency and a supported living service. Options also had three residential schools and two transition services, for children and young people with ASD, as well as profound communication difficulties.

From July 2006-January 2008 he was Chief Operating Officer of Optegra; a start-up ophthalmic business. In January 2008 he became Chief Executive of Affinity Healthcare, a specialist mental health provider.

In June 2013 he started the new education business Minerva Education, with investors August Equity LLP. Minerva Education, an independent sector schools group grew to seven schools in Central London, Cambridge and Berkshire. In September 2017 Tommy left Minerva Education to join Cambian Group PLC as Managing Director Special Education, in charge of 11special residential schools and 4 specialist residential colleges, before joining EYP. During his time as CEO, the company has grown significantly, with several new children’s homes and both organic development of the company’s schools; as well as a school acquisition.

Prior to his business career; Tommy spent ten years as an officer in the Welsh Guards and he remains involved with his former regiment; as a Trustee of the Welsh Guards Charity. Tommy lives in Gloucestershire and is married with two grown up children. He remains keen on sports and is an active rugby football referee in the Gloucester Society. He also enjoys game sports and is a keen military historian.