Our Senior Management Team (SMT) meet bi-weekly to oversee the management of the organisation and to lead the strategic direction of Anthony Nolan.
Chief Executive, Henny Braund
Henny Braund started as Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan in January 2009. Her key priorities since that time have been the implementation of an ambitious five-year strategy and the development of our new brand. Inspired by the passion and commitment of Anthony Nolan’s staff, Henny works to build on the charity’s rich history and secure it a successful future.
At Anthony Nolan, Henny works with staff at all levels, trustees and supporters as well as external stakeholders, such as government departments. She sees it as her role to deliver our vision, champion our cause, and inspire people to help our lifesaving work.
Previously Resources Director at Shelter, the housing charity, Henny draws on 20 years experience in the voluntary sector. At present she is Trustee for the Small Charities Coalition, but has been Chair for Aids and Housing (Health and Housing). She has also been a Trustee for Thamesreach and Shelter Trading.
Communications Director, Richard Davidson
Richard previously worked at Health Mandate (a communications consultancy) and Cancer Research UK. Raising awareness about the charity and communicating with the press, public and supporters, is a crucial part of what we do. Richard oversees this aspect of Anthony Nolan, creating a positive, productive dialogue between different groups.
Inspiring new people to get involved as well as motivating our existing supporters, Richard ensures our messages are compelling. We value our reputation, and he is responsible for protecting and enhancing our brand. He believes strong communication is essential if we are to meet our ambitious goals. The more people we can inspire to join the register, the more lives we can save.
Finance and Resources Director, Alan How
Overseeing finance, human resources, facilities, legal, insurance and property, Alan How ensures our infrastructure operates efficiently. A strong framework is essential for our ambitious projects, and Alan works out the logistics and feasibility. Having joined us in 2009, he previously worked as Finance Director for various charities and organisations such as Age Concern and Consumers Association. He brings that experience to helping us become one of the top places to work in the UK.
One of our main objectives is to grow the register. Alan is responsible for regulating the finances that allow us to do that, whether it’s providing cash, resources, legal function or creating a workable budget.
IT Director, Anil Majevadia
Anil oversees the IT division’s crucial but often invisible work, from the robotics in the Laboratories to the computers running the register itself. At the moment, Anil and his team are engaged in the exciting implementation of a replacement to our Solar system; a long-term project that will make the register’s underlying computer system faster and more efficient.
Scientific Director, Professor J Alejandro Madrigal, MD PhD FRCP FRCPath DSc
Professor Madrigal joined Anthony Nolan in 1993, and since that time has created the Anthony Nolan Research Institute, which is recognised worldwide as one of the leading, successful, stem cell research institutes. A key figure in Haematology, he holds the Chair of Haematology at The Royal Free Hospital and is President of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). He has received many prestigious awards for his work and published over 200 papers in peer-reviewed journals (with more than 3000 citations). He has been Chairman of AlloStem for four years, this being the largest funded EU project for Immunotherapy. His main objectives are improving the outcome of stem cell transplants and to find new tools for cell therapy. Over the years, Professor Madrigal feels that Anthony Nolan has become a highly renowned, scientifically-based organisation, which has improved its interactions with the community as a whole. He is proud of the educational aspect of our work, which involves sharing knowledge and helping other countries to set up their own registers. His work brings him the greatest satisfaction when he sees a patient survive with a good quality of life after a transplant.
Fundraising Director, Catherine Miles 
Catherine is responsible for all voluntary fundraising donations, including gifts from individuals, companies and trusts. Previously at UCL’s Cancer Institute and Shelter, she joined Anthony Nolan in 2009. The income from fundraising supports many vital areas including donor recruitment, new areas of research and Anthony Nolan’s public awareness work. Catherine’s main goal is to build up the five traditional income streams to help us grow the register. This includes companies, trusts and major donors, events, individual giving and community fundraising. Fundraising is a highly competitive environment, so Catherine faces the challenge of having to continuously innovate and build relationships with our supporters. Our biggest strength, she believes, is that we are unique as a cancer charity in being able to save people’s lives. She fully encourages social networking as she believes it empowers our supporters, allowing them to promote their fundraising events.
One of her key aims is to grow regular giving as much as possible. A predictable income means we can plan and invest better, which means we can save more lives. The most satisfying part of her job is working with an inspirational team of committed fundraisers and knowing that together, they help save lives each and every day.
Operations Director, Ailsa Ogilve
Ailsa oversees the work of our Operations department. This encompasses donor recruitment, searching for matches, liaising with hospitals, making arrangements for donors, getting stem cells to the patient and looking after donors post-donation. Ailsa loves working within a team whose experience and efficiency help our lifesaving work to take place. There are many challenges, such as liaising with lots of different parties, as well as the logistical problems that can occur with getting the stem cells to the patient. In line with our policy of constantly seeking to improve, Ailsa has one eye on the future, with plans to improve donor recruitment and volunteer strategies, as well as strengthening relationships with transplant centres.
Ailsa’s favourite part of her job is that no two days are the same. As the focus of our business is people, and every person is different, the job is always exciting. Ailsa and her team work to a long-term goal, which is to have the optimum amount of donors so that we never have to turn a patient away.
