Foundation appoints new Chair

Global Retail and Consumer Goods expert and current Vice-Chair Susanne Given to take up the position from 1st April. 

An executive leader in digitally led organisational growth, Susanne joined the Foundation as a Trustee in October 2021, stepping into the Vice Chair role since December last year. Susanne’s vast commercial experience has been invaluable in supporting the Foundation’s mission to build a healthier society during a time of transformation.  

She has over two decades of experience working for fast growing digital businesses and recognised leaders in retail like John Lewis, Harrods and TK Maxx.  She currently chairs digital fashion brand Hush UK, and is Audit Chair for Forward Partners Plc, an early stage investment fund listed on AIM. Formerly, Susanne held non-executive roles in the food industry with supermarket Morrisons, financial services with Deloitte, and in the transportation sector at Eurostar. 

Interim Chair Ron Kerr welcomes the news:  

“I am delighted that Susanne will become the Foundation’s permanent Chair. She brings a wealth of experience to the role and will be a huge asset to the organisation during this next exciting chapter in the Foundation’s long history.”

Susanne joins as the Foundation shares the news that Kieron Boyle will be stepping down as Chief Executive in May after seven successful years at the helm. 

Susanne takes up the role following the departure of former Chair Debu Purkayastha in December last year, after he made the decision to step down for family health reasons.