Meet our trustees

I became Chair in January 2017 and I’ve been a trustee since 2015.

I’m an engineer by profession and spent my career in the energy sector, primarily working for the National Grid. I was its UK and European CEO from 2011 to 2015.

I’m now the Chairman of Energy Systems Catapult and on the board of several other organisations. I’ve been a Non-Executive Director of construction company Kier and President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

My wife, Denise, was diagnosed with MS in 1999. I’ve seen many of the challenges that come with the condition. And the opportunities and difficulties in accessing effective treatments and therapies.

I’ve been a trustee since 2018, having previously served on the England Council, including as chair. I’m a member of the Nominations Committee and the People Committee.

My experience is in HR, having worked in senior leadership roles for large corporations, including Coca-Cola Enterprises. I am now the owner and director of a business which focuses on helping organisations improve engagement, flexibility, wellness, and performance.

My mother was diagnosed with MS in 1984 and lived with it for over 25 years, so I have a personal understanding of the challenges of the condition and how it affects both the individual and those that love and care for them.

I’ve been a trustee since January 2021 and I’m a member of the Research Strategy Committee. I’m a neuroscientist by training and Head of UK Grants at the Royal Society (the UK’s science academy).

My older brother had a disabling neurological condition. I know first-hand the difference access to effective treatments, support and services can make.

Having worked in research funding for over 15 years, I’ve always believed science is a force for good. The UK has one of the strongest scientific research communities in the world. I believe that by working together, we could make new treatments for MS a reality this decade.

I’ve been a member of the MS Society for 14 years and a trustee since the start of 2019. I’m a member of the Nominations Committee and the Research Strategy Committee.

I grew up in New York but settled in the UK over 30 years ago. I’ve spent my professional life in the charity sector, working mainly in international development. I’m currently an Honorary Lecturer at UCL where I teach about both management and reproductive health. I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS 14 years ago and am a member of the West Central London MS Society Group.

I’ve been a trustee since January 2021 and I sit on the People Committee. I’m a business consultant who works with charities to manage change programmes that help them to become more responsive to members’ needs.

My father has Parkinson’s, which like MS, affects how he moves, sleeps, feels and talks. As a carer I’ve long been frustrated at the quality of care he receives.

As a trustee I will challenge the Board to collaborate with organisations supporting people touched by other neurodegenerative diseases to pool our resources, make the most of our investments and reduce time to develop treatments.

I’ve been a trustee since 2018 and I’m a member of our Audit, Risk and Finance Committee.

My background is in the financial services industry. I have held senior leadership roles for well-known companies for over 30 years including: MasterCard, VocaLink and RBS where I am currently the Group Director of Payments.

My eldest sister was diagnosed with MS in 1980 at the age of 27 and sadly passed away in 2009. I supported my sister throughout her battle with progressive MS. I have a personal understanding of the wide impact that MS can have. I’m passionate about finding a cure.

I became a trustee in January 2020 and I’m a member of the Nominations Committee.

I’ve been a civil servant in the Cabinet Office since 2017. I previously worked as a consultant advising clients on policy, strategy and communication. I am committed to helping create a more inclusive society that realises the potential of all individuals.

I have first-hand experience of the challenges of MS.

I’ve been the Treasurer and a trustee since 2016. I’m the Chair of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee.

I’m a Chartered Accountant and a partner at a large accountancy firm, with nearly 20 years of experience advising clients in the financial services industry.  I also have experience in leading people and strategy with a strong focus on risk management.

My sister-in-law was diagnosed with MS in 2007. Her resilient attitude in the face of MS (‘I may have MS, but MS does not have me’) inspired me to start fundraising for the MS Society, pushing myself to take on various marathons and ultrarunning challenges.

I’ve been a trustee since 2015. I’m a member of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee.

I have over 16 years of experience working in senior fundraising roles in the charity sector and I’m currently Director of Fundraising at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. This experience, combined with my PhD in Medicinal Chemistry for Cancer Research UK, has given me an understanding of the crucial link between research and fundraising.

My sister had MS so I understand the challenges faced both by the person with MS and by carers. I’m honoured to be a trustee and to be able to bring my skills and experience to support the organisation.

I’ve been a trustee since 2017 and I’m a member of the People Committee.

I’m a Director at UK Government Investments. Before that, I spent 20 years as a civil servant. I’m a non-executive Director of the British Business Bank and Homes England.

I was diagnosed with MS over 10 years ago and I had my first symptoms more than 20 years ago.  I want to help us to increase our impact, and to do more to help us reach the thousands of people with MS who are not members. This means providing high quality and authoritative information, funding world-class research and continuing to influence public policy to support all people living with MS.

I have been a trustee since January 2021 and I’m a member of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee. I am an NHS Director who leads digital transformation programmes.

I was diagnosed with MS in early 2019 after spending nearly 20 years with unexplained symptoms. The MS Society’s online resources supported me in encouraging my clinicians to look at me holistically and eventually diagnose MS.

Joining the Board has allowed me to use my experience in digital and IT operations, strategy and transformation to improve access to and availability of services for people living with and affected by MS.

I became a trustee in January 2020 and I am the Chair of the People Committee.

I am currently the Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal Academy of Engineering. I've worked for a number of public sector bodies and charities advising people on their rights under equality legislation, assessing public bodies against their legal obligations, and working with employers on strategies to promote diversity and inclusion.

I was diagnosed with MS in 2015. I understand the impact of invisible symptoms and the challenges faced by people with MS.