Completed Roles
A track record across arts, culture, sport, professional bodies and commercial ventures with roles including:
Member, Business Standards Committee (non-statutory, volunteer)
ICAEW | May 2022 – May 2026
Appointed through open recruitment to this internal regulatory committee, focused on professional standards and their impact on ICAEW members. Represented the SME owner perspective in consultation with Ministers and policy stakeholders.
Independent Director (Volunteer)
Exeter City AFC Limited | August 2021 – October 2025
One of the first Independent Directors appointed to this fan-owned EFL club (£7m turnover), following an open recruitment process for the role. This was a one day per month, voluntary, independent role.
Was (in a small, off-field way!) part of a promotion winning business in 2021-22 from League 2, and involved in business planning and development work over the next 3 years. Led a formal internal investigation into a matter of senior executive gross misconduct, bringing the process to a successful conclusion working with multiple external advisors and the Inland Revenue before stepping down as part of a planned board rotation in October 2025.
Trustee and Chair, Finance, Audit & Risk Committee (Volunteer)
Birmingham Museums Trust | October 2019 – June 2025
Led the Finance, Audit & Risk function of this £12m turnover charity through a period of significant change, including the backdrop of Birmingham City Council’s declared bankruptcy.
Developed a strengthened finance function and governance framework and introduced new term limits for trustees as part of succession planning.
Non-Executive Director, Finance, Risk & Governance (Volunteer)
SkateboardGB | September 2017 – October 2024
Built financial systems, budgeting processes and risk management frameworks from scratch for a sport with Olympic ambitions but no functioning national governing body.
Achievements: reached Tier 3 of the Sports Governance Code; the GB team qualified for Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics; Sky Brown won Olympic bronze at Tokyo.
Member, International Governing Council (Volunteer)
ICAEW | May 2017 – June 2021
Elected by the ICAEW membership to serve on the International Governing Council, the strategic governance body of one of the world’s leading accountancy bodies (£114m income, 151,000 members, Royal Charter).
Non-Executive Director (Volunteer)
Warwickshire Cricket Board Limited | February 2012 – February 2018
Led a governance review and supported the transition from an unincorporated membership body into an appropriate legal structure. Negotiated a revised service level agreement with the County Club, approved by members.
Trustee and Chair, Finance & Audit Committee (Volunteer)
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra | November 2010 – November 2017
Statutory Director at this £9m turnover music charity with nearly 150 staff, owned by 466 members. Responsible for all financial and risk management governance — including signing annual accounts, chairing Finance & Audit meetings, overseeing investment policy, and liaising with pension scheme trustees and external auditors.
Commercial Director
Breaking Free Online Limited | April 2014 – December 2017
VC-backed healthcare technology platform targeting addictive behaviours. Helped double revenues, supported a raise of more than £500k in follow-on investment, and commenced international operations across Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Business Development Director
Catalyst Corporate Finance (now Alantra UK) | August 2005 – April 2013
Joined this award-winning corporate finance boutique at seven people and contributed to its growth to 55 staff, 20 international partners and over £10m turnover — through a recession. Created and led the business development and marketing function.