Executive Leadership Team

John-Arne joined Wellcome as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in January 2024 and leads the charitable foundation’s mission to support science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone.

Steven will join Wellcome later in 2024 as interim Chief of Staff with responsibility for supporting day-to-day management of the organisation and driving integration across Wellcome’s teams to advance our mission.

Jimmy joined Wellcome in 2023 as Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer and leads our work to become an inclusive funder. He works in partnership with the whole executive leadership team to support Wellcome in becoming an inclusive employer.

James Thomas joined Wellcome in April 2016. He is responsible for leadership of our technology and digital services.

Chris Bird is Wellcome's senior legal adviser, and is responsible for managing all the legal needs of Wellcome and its subsidiaries.

Karen joined Wellcome in autumn 2015. Her responsibilities include ensuring the best possible operating position for Wellcome in relation to financial planning, reporting and cost management.

Nick is the Interim Chief Research Programmes Officer at Wellcome, leading a broad interlinked portfolio that focuses on discovery research and three urgent health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

Beth joined Wellcome in 2009. She became interim Chief Strategy Officer in 2022 and Chief Strategy Officer in 2023, responsible for the work of the strategy and programme office, government relations and strategic partnerships, policy, and transition and legacy teams. 

Richard joined Wellcome in 2015. He is the Interim Chief Finance Officer, responsible for leadership of Wellcome’s financial planning, reporting and cost management.

Mark Henderson leads all aspects of our communications and public engagement, with a particular focus on building and sustaining trust, influence and Wellcome's reputation so that our work contributes more to health and society.

Kathy Poole joined Wellcome in August 2018 and leads the People Department.

Alyson Fox joined Wellcome in November 2010. She has responsibility for the management and governance of our grant funding and review processes.

Alongside her role as Associate General Counsel, Commercial, Sabien is one of Wellcome's Employee Directors. As Employee Director Sabien contributes to all the conversations and decisions made by ELT, helping to achieve our mission of supporting science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone.