Our People

Rank has a small team who spend their time building strong relationships and working alongside the Network. Rank’s team is supported by an active board of trustees and leaders from our Network all of whom offer their time and expertise to help our decision making.

All Members

All Members
Staff
Trustees
Associates
RankNet Leaders Action Group
Fellows Leadership Team

Lindsey Hall MBE

Trustee

As Chief Executive at Real Ideas, I bring a track record in both the public and private sectors as a social entrepreneur, thinker, and leader. I have set up and developed products and services across the creative, learning, and education sectors.

From building award-winning programmes in the UK to driving ground-breaking initiatives internationally, I have the experience and skills at management, board, and executive levels to steer social business ideas towards success—making money while making a difference at the same time.

Liz Wylie

Place Based Programme Officer

I joined The Rank Foundation in September 2024 as the Place Based Programme Officer working from the Penrith office. Prior to this, I went to Cardiff University to study Media, Journalism and Culture. I enjoyed this so much I went on to complete an MA in Digital Media & Society, with a dissertation focusing on fandoms, social media and communities.

I am excited to join the Time to Shine programme and develop my leadership skills and confidence. The Rank Network is amazing to be apart of because of the inspiring organisations and people creating positive change across the UK.

Louisa Searle

Fellow, Class of 2003 - Chair of the Rank Fellowship

It’s my huge privilege to be taking on the role of Chair of the Fellowship. Receiving the School Leadership Award in 2003 while at St Edward’s, Oxford, had a profound impact on my life. The support from Rank allowed me to remain in school, and the Community Action Placement I did in the summer of my Lower Sixth year was transformative. Volunteering at a summer activity camp near Brighton awoke in me a passion for working with children and young people that has never left. I later worked in that community as a youth worker during my gap year as part of another Rank-funded initiative; and trained as an English teacher on the Teach First programme. I then co-founded First Give, a charity that seeks to inspire and empower young people to give their time, money or skills to charitable causes that matter to them.

It’s a really exciting time to be part of the Fellowship with ever increasing and inspiring opportunities to get involved with the community. Please do get in touch with me if you’d like to learn more about how the Fellowship can support you, how you can support it, or if you’d like to share what you’re up to!

Louise Kavanagh

Communications Consultant

I bring extensive experience in brand and marketing from both in-house and freelance roles. After leading the marketing function at Catch22 for several years, I set up Purposeful Marketing to offer a flexible mix of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery to the charity sector.

My work has shaped the communications and identity of national organisations like The Rank Foundation, grassroots funders such as Barking & Dagenham Giving, and several community organisations in my local area. By building strong, values-led brands, I help organisations connect more deeply with their audiences and tell their stories with clarity and purpose.

Maddie Hall

Content Production & Partnerships Lead, Real Immersive

Madeline is the Content Production and Partnerships Lead at Real Immersive, part of the Real Ideas Organisation CIC, which empowers communities through immersive technologies, education, and engagement. She manages specialist facilities at the Market Hall, supports innovation, and leads the production of immersive experiences. Previously, Madeline project-managed the Illuminate light festival, a four-day event showcasing projection mapping and light art installation attended by 50,000 people. Passionate about the creative industries, she is excited to contribute to the growing cultural scene in her city

Marco Martucci

Facilities Officer

I joined the Rank Foundation in January 2024 and am responsible for supporting and ensuring the smooth running of the Garden Walk coworking space, including direct assistance with facilities, IT, health and safety, and administration.

I studied computer science and electronics in Italy. For several years, I coached water polo teams of different ages, from kids to adults. These experiences were important to me and have been beneficial in my work. I enjoy helping people, especially with IT problems.

When I’m not working, I love listening to music, cooking vegan recipes, reading books and comics, and watching movies and TV shows.

Marie Lecrinier

Business Support Manager

I joined the Rank Foundation in 2020 as Business Support Manager. After graduating with a degree in Economics and Social Management in France (where I grew up), I moved to the UK in 2010 and pursued further studies, completing an MA in International Relations and EU Studies at the University of East Anglia in 2012.

During my postgraduate studies, I researched government policies that lead to exclusion. This sparked a passion for projects supporting integration and community dialogue. My commitment to these ideas drove me to redirect my career into the charity sector. Since then, I have worked for various charities, coordinating different projects.

It is important to me to know that my job has a direct positive impact on people’s lives. Working closely with John on the School Leadership Award and Fellowship is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role at Rank.

Mark Summerfield

Trustee, Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

Having just joined the Board of Trustees in June 2025, I am still enjoying discovering all the incredible work the Foundation and its partners do.

Alongside my responsibilities as a trustee, I am a member of the Grants Committee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. The latter is a role I have and continue to perform as a Director at a number of charitable, not for profit and listed companies.

These positions follow a long career as a partner at KPMG and a much shorter one as a CFO.

Mike Crowther

CEO, Empowerment Charity

I’ve spent my career dedicated to strengthening communities and championing social change. For the past nine years, I’ve served as Chief Executive of Empowerment Charity in Blackpool, leading an exceptional team committed to amplifying local voices, supporting people facing adversity, and helping create a fairer, more hopeful future for the town I proudly call home.

Born and raised in Blackpool, I’ve worked in the social sector throughout my life – as a volunteer, a frontline practitioner, and in leadership roles since 2005. I hold an MA in Social Policy and Criminology and an MA in Social Pedagogical Leadership, grounding my practice in both academic insight and deep community understanding.

I’m passionate about reshaping the narrative of Blackpool by working collaboratively with residents, partners and civic leaders to tell a story rooted in hope, change and civic pride. In the 2025 New Year’s Honours, I was awarded an MBE by the King for my work in Blackpool.

My longstanding connection with The Rank Foundation began in 2011 when Empowerment welcomed its first Time to Shine leader. Since then, I’ve been continually inspired by Rank’s creativity, its commitment to nurturing local communities, its development of values-led leaders, and its unwavering belief in people’s potential.

I’m delighted to contribute to and learn from such an inspiring network, and I remain motivated every day by the possibility of positive change created when people work together with purpose.

Natalie Humber

Digital Hub Manager

I joined The Rank Foundation in 2015, and after working in various roles from Administrator to Engagement Manager, I now manage the Foundation’s online beneficiary and community platform, RankNet, as Digital Hub Manager. My work predominantly focuses on engagement and content creation, but I also branch into UX and web data analysis. I have a real passion for people, the power of change, and women’s rights.

I studied English Literature at the University of Portsmouth, but I was born (and now live) in London. My favourite pastime is sharing a meal with loved ones in the sunshine and listening to movie soundtracks.

RankNet is a hive of community energy and goodwill, with members prepared to offer their expertise, physical space, and care at no cost. It embodies the spirit of the social sector.

Nhung Phung

Communications and Marketing Officer

I’m a Vietnamese communications practitioner with an MA in Communication, Media and Development from Loughborough University. I joined The Rank Foundation in January 2024. My role focuses on strengthening the Foundation’s external and internal communications, while supporting the marketing and engagement of our first-ever social enterprise – a coworking space for the social sector in the heart of Shoreditch, London. Prior to this, I earned a BA in International Relations & Diplomacy from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and worked in various capacities within governmental, non-profit, and academic settings in Vietnam.

Hailing from a mountainous area in Northern Vietnam and being the first in my family to pursue high school and beyond, I’ve dedicated my career to leveraging communication strategies for a lasting and tangible impact on the lives of marginalised groups and communities, mirroring my own experiences.

What sets the Rank Network apart is its diversity. From experienced professionals to bright, young talents, the network thrives on its varied community.

Odiri Ighamre

CEO, KORI Youth Charity

For over 30 years, I’ve worked as an educator and storyteller across schools, prisons, museums, and mental health hospitals. With expertise in Social Pedagogy and youth development, I’ve trained youth workers across the UK and supported leadership growth in Africa. I co-founded three organisations: Women Tellers, Evwreni Productions, and KORI Youth Charity, which I’ve led since 2002.

Olivia Hardiman

Fellow, Class of 2017

I received Rank’s School Leadership Award while at Walsall Academy in 2017. My first Community Action Placement at Greenbank Community Church in Liskeard left a profound impact on me. My second CAP looked different as I did two mini self-organised placements, volunteering at the former Mend-it Project at Green Lane Baptist Church (Walsall) and at the Soul Survivor Festival (Stafford).

I joined the Fellows Leadership Team in 2021. Since then, I have had the privilege of supporting the outreach work to reconnect fellows to the Fellowship – I am excited to see what impact this could have on our community and how the new connections and exchange of experiences might have a positive impact outside of our network.

In September 2023, I graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Worcester, and began the Bar Practice Course at The University of Law in Birmingham – which I am set to complete in 2025! I also work part-time as a Specialist Notetaker and Support Worker at Cosmic People, where I scribe for undergraduate and postgraduate students with disabilities and impairments, in universities in and around Birmingham.

Phil Davies

Associate for Plymouth

I started working with the Rank Foundation in the Autumn of 2018 as the Associate for Plymouth, just before the City’s place-based programme was launched.

I had spent the previous thirty years working in education: the first half of which as a lecturer and eventually director in the university sector; and the second half of my career in the further education sector where I was Principal/CEO at City College Plymouth. I have an MA in European politics have spent short spells at both Harvard and Babson College in the US.

I find it impossible to single out one individual within the Rank Network. Every day I consider myself to be enormously privileged to work with colleagues from the local Rank Network. In particular, the inspirational leaders of social enterprises in Plymouth, along with their committed and passionate teams, continue to address many economic, social, and health challenges faced by the individuals and communities they serve so well.

Piers Mudd

Fellow, Class of 1997

I received the School Leadership Award in 1996. My involvement with the Foundation and the Fellowship has been near-on continuous since then either through raising funds for Rank charities (via various physical adventures), working with the Fellows Leadership Team, or indeed continuing to benefit from the guidance and counsel of various Fellows whom I am proud to call friends and mentors.

Leadership has been a continuous theme through my life and career with varied application from frontline military service to building a sustainable fish business in Uganda. My passion now lies in developing fabulous teams capable of achieving the unthinkable in sustainable aquaculture and climate tech. Now that I am back in the UK I am delighted to step back into the Rank fold to help continue the amazing work of the Fellowship.

Rosalie Kerr

Community & Operations Officer

I joined The Rank Foundation in January 2025 as Alumni Development Officer within the Time to Shine programme, and have since progressed into the role of Community & Operations Officer. In this position, I continue to support the Fellowship community while also expanding my focus to include Rank’s London coworking space, an exciting opportunity to grow and strengthen in-person connections across the network.

Through my time at Rank, I have greatly valued learning from and engaging with its diverse network, which makes a significant contribution to the third sector.

I graduated from the University of Leeds in 2024 with a degree in International History and Politics. My studies fostered a strong appreciation for global perspectives, and I maintain a keen personal interest in world history.

I am proud to be part of such an inspiring organisation and am committed to building meaningful, supportive communities within the third sector.

Sarah Lopez-Ferreiro

Fundraising Manager, Horatio’s Garden

As Fundraising Manager at Horatio’s Garden, I am responsible for raising funds for the creation of new garden projects and the ongoing operational costs of the charity through building relationships with trusts, foundations and corporations. The aim of Horatio’s Garden is to provide accessible, beautiful gardens at spinal injury centres across the UK for the community of people affected by spinal injuries, including patients, their loved ones and the staff at the centres.

The Rank Foundation has been hugely supportive of Horatio’s Garden and individuals at the charity. I first became involved with the Rank Foundation as a manager of a Time to Shine leader, and since then, the Rank Foundation has enabled me to gain the Chartered Management Institute Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership. The Pushing Boundaries – Emerging Leaders programme provided further opportunities to develop these skills whilst meeting fascinating people from a range of backgrounds.

I feel privileged to be part of the Rank Network as it brings together a diverse and supportive community of people in the social sector, creating opportunities to share ideas and inspiration.

Simon Antrobus

CEO, Children in Need

Simon has been Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need since November 2016 and has worked in the voluntary sector for over 25 years.

Prior to joining BBC Children in Need, Simon was Chief Executive of We are With You and Clubs for Young People. He has chaired a national inquiry which produced ‘Dying to Belong’, a comprehensive report into UK gangs and violence affecting young people, and has been a Trustee at the Pilgrim Trust and the National Council of Voluntary Youth Services and is currently Chair of the Royal and Derngate theatre in Northamptonshire.

Sonia Talsi

Head of Operations and Co-working Space

I joined The Rank Foundation in October 2022 and look after the Foundation’s operations, with a particular focus on creating a collaborative co-working space for our Network members and social sector partners in our Shoreditch, London office.

I have extensive experience in operations and project management. After working in the charity sector, I transitioned into education sector management for over 18 years. I have also held positions as a charity treasurer and a trustee.

I am motivated by my father, who was a Deputy Director at a Czech power plant. He was a multilingual professional and truly inspirational. He had strong family values and was always extremely supportive of everyone, especially his family.

For me, the power of the Rank Network lies in its remarkable collaboration. It’s inspirational to see how the Network supports each member in reaching their potential. At Rank’s co-working space, it’s always great to witness the collaboration between charities and organisations in the social sector, creating new opportunities for everyone, especially young people.

Stuart Cowen

Trustee

I served in the army for over thirty years with the Household Cavalry, deploying on operations including UN Peace-Keeping, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I was also involved in State Ceremonial, planning and participating in the Golden and Diamond Jubilees and Royal Weddings. Since leaving the services, I have focused on advising on philanthropy for corporates and individuals.

I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge in grant-making through Trusts and Foundations, both family and corporate structures. When commanding the Household Cavalry, I restructured the wide and complex network of trusts and endowed funds into a single Foundation, providing more focused support to soldiers, operational casualties, and their dependents, veterans, the regiment’s heritage, and equine welfare.

After leaving military service in 2015, I was brought in to lead the charitable foundation of a FTSE 100 property company, developing its philanthropic vision and activity as part of its CSR strategy. In 2018, I moved to an international philanthropic consultancy.

I was commissioned into the army after leaving school, attended the Army Staff College, received an MA from Cranfield University, and an MBA from Said Business School at the University of Oxford.

In addition to being a Trustee of the Rank Foundation, I am the Chairman of the Rank Prize Funds, which supports research into Opto-electronics and Nutrition. I am also a senior advisor with Global Philanthropic Consultancy and a Director and Vice Chairman of Guards Polo Club.

Outside work, I have a deep fondness for the countryside, equine and field sports. I live in Hampshire with my wife Lizzie and our two children, and I enjoy studying history and travelling.

Stuart Wilson

Fellow, Class of 1984

I received my award from the Rank Foundation when I was 15, and I have been forever grateful for the stability and certainty it gave when all else around was chaos. Rank’s support enabled me to attend further education, opened my eyes to a world of opportunities and encouraged me to set the very highest of standards throughout my entire professional life.

Having worked for other people for six years and funded myself through an MBA, I set up my own technology focused executive search and interim management firm 25 years ago which I scaled across four continents.

The Rank Foundation certainly changed my life, and it is a huge privilege to spend time with others it has supported and see the confidence it has given them.