Find out more about World Cancer Research Fund’s leadership team and board of trustees.
World Cancer Research Fund is a leading authority in the field of cancer prevention research related to diet, weight and physical activity.
We have achieved this success through the high-quality work produced by the people we work with, both externally and within the organisation.
If you have a question about our work or that of our network of cancer charities, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Marilyn is one of the founders of the World Cancer Research Fund network, which is responsible for helping transform public opinion to recognise that some cancers are preventable and not simply a matter of genetics or bad luck.
She has dedicated more than 30 years to cancer prevention, by promoting authoritative global research and health information. Marilyn continues to provide strategic direction and leadership for the World Cancer Research Fund network.
Rachael became CEO of World Cancer Research Fund in 2019. She’s worked for the World Cancer Research Fund network for over 15 years, having most recently held the position of Executive Director of Network Operations.
Rachael now leads World Cancer Research Fund’s presence in the UK and is passionate about ensuring that our work truly does empower people to take action to lead healthier, happier, cancer-free lives.
She works closely with the senior management team to drive the overall strategic development, direction and operational management of WCRF as well as other network executives to guide the network vision and work.
Gwen joined World Cancer Research Fund in 2011 with over 20 years of human resources experience. She’s responsible for leading the development of World Cancer Research Fund’s people, culture and organisational capacity, ensuring that we attract, retain and develop talent that is empowered to significantly contribute to and achieve our organisational objectives.
Gerard joined the World Cancer Research Fund family in 2017. He has worked in the commercial sector and for the past 15 years he’s been employed in the not-for-profit/third sector, where he thrives on working for organisations that help those in need.
He’s led fundraising and retail teams for a number of charities and enjoys the thrill and chase of the challenging fundraising world. He’s also responsible for our health information work.
Vickie has worked for the World Cancer Research Fund network for more than ten years, having started as our IT Manager.
She’s responsible for ensuring the business elements of the World Cancer Research Fund London office are run smoothly and efficiently, and that the office itself is a safe and happy environment for our staff.
Nigel joined World Cancer Research Fund in 2020. Nigel’s focus is to ensure that our brand, digital, social media, press and marketing communications are as effective as possible in reaching and engaging relevant audiences and stakeholders, thereby raising awareness of cancer prevention and survival.
Previously, Nigel held senior management positions at Citizens Advice (Head Office), The Seafarers’ Charity and UK Finance. He’s also on the advisory board of the campaigning charity Human Rights at Sea, and is a founding member of the Clore Social Leadership London Chapter.
Alison joined the Board in 2015 following her retirement as a partner from the London office with the international law firm, Steptoe & Johnson LLP.
She was an active member of the Labour & Employment Practice Group of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms.
With over 36 years of legal experience Alison has advised not-for-profit organisations on matters including internal policies, employment issues, tax and pension law and employee benefits.
Alison shares her expertise with World Cancer Research Fund on employment and legal matters following nearly four decades of experience.
Ashley is Emeritus Professor of Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Bristol. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2014, having been a member of the World Cancer Research Fund Grant Panel for several years.
Now retired, Ashley’s previous research investigated how active travel contributed to the physical activity of children and adults and impacted health outcomes, particularly in adults with Type 2 diabetes.
Ashley was Head of the University’s Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences for 8 years, co-lead of the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Unit in Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle, and chair of the Sedentary Behaviour Expert Working Group for the UK Chief Medical Officer Physical Activity Guidelines 2019. Ashley continues to encourage and advise the World Cancer Research Fund in areas of research.
Antoinette joined the Board in May 2019. She is the founder and managing director of Lilac Blue London Limited. She is active in the community, supporting charities such as Rhythms of Life, the London Homeless charity.
She has had extensive international experience in leadership positions in the areas of business development, public relations, and sales. She is considered an expert in online and digital marketing.
Antoinette’s extensive international experience and understanding of cultural differences, coupled with her fluency in French and Spanish, will be invaluable as World Cancer Research Fund works to spread the message of cancer prevention.
Antoinette shares her expert knowledge in the areas of business development, public relations, sales, and online and digital marketing with World Cancer Research Fund following more than two decades of experience.
She has a keen interest in nutrition and the role nutrition plays in disease prevention.
Susan joined the World Cancer Research Fund Board in 1990. Now retired from the commercial real estate business, Susan spent more than 3 decades in the field.
Previously, she was a licensed commercial property broker as well as Senior Managing Director of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank in Washington DC, US — one of the world’s leading commercial property advisory firms.
Susan has served as president of a number of business and property membership bodies in Washington DC. An astute businesswoman throughout her career, she shares her expert knowledge of operational success with the World Cancer Research Fund.
Roderick joined the Board in May 2019. He is the owner and managing director of Quality Irish Stoves Limited. He has had nearly 3 decades of senior level management experience in business development, marketing, sales, and database management.
He has worked for companies in the UK, Ireland, the US and France. He is active in the community and has served and continues to serve in a leadership capacity in a variety of companies and membership bodies in the UK and Ireland.
Roderick shares his expertise in business development, marketing, sales, and database management to help grow World Cancer Research Fund and spread our message of cancer prevention.
Frank joined the World Cancer Research Fund Board in April 2022. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a practitioner with Jackson Hill, chartered accountants, based in London.
He began his post qualification accountancy career as the finance director of St Christopher’s Hospice, working alongside the medical director, Dame Cicely Saunders. He has published papers on the cost of hospice care and contributed to Croner publications on the management of voluntary organisations and financial reporting by charities.
As a research fellow of the Cicely Saunders Institute at King’s College Hospital in London, Frank has maintained his interest in palliative care as part of a team evaluating the economic impact of end-of-life care on health and social care services.
His community activities have included serving as a Justice of the Peace and he is chairman of the London Cornish Rugby Football Club.
Frank shares his expert knowledge in the fields of charitable accounting and health economics with the World Cancer Research Fund.
