Wellcome appoints Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Chief Strategy Officer

Jimmy will be joining us in October as Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, and Beth has been appointed Chief Strategy Officer.

Jimmy joins Wellcome from Stellenbosch University. He was previously Dean of Medicine and Health Sciences at the university and is now Emeritus Professor of Global Health.

Jimmy began his career as a doctor in disadvantaged communities in South Africa and Eswatini, sparking his interest in public health.

He became the founding director of Cochrane South Africa, part of the international Cochrane network that works to support evidence-based health care. At Stellenbosch University he led significant change, enhancing diversity and creating a department of global health.

As Wellcome’s first Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Jimmy will lead our work to become an inclusive funder and will work in partnership with the whole executive leadership team to support Wellcome in becoming an inclusive employer.

“Inclusive research is stronger research,” says Jimmy. “Considering a broader spectrum of lived experiences and insights helps mitigate bias thereby unleashing the full power of science to address pressing global health challenges.

“Inclusion is also vital for ensuring cohesive and healthy teams, organisations and communities.” 

Beth has previously led our policy and advocacy work in a range of areas, including pandemic preparation financing and clinical trials regulation. She joined Wellcome in 2009 as a policy officer, before becoming Head of UK and EU Policy and Advocacy, then Associate Director for Policy. 

Beth launched Wellcome’s early work to improve culture in research and established our EU government relations function. 

Wellcome’s Chief Strategy Officer oversees our policy, government relations and strategic partnerships teams, as well as its programme-management function, which ensures effective delivery of Wellcome’s mission and manages major internal projects. 

“I am thrilled to take on this exciting role and play my part in bringing Wellcome's support for science to life,” says Beth. “I look forward to building on our strengths in policy, advocacy and partnerships to ensure science can lead to real impact for those across the world who need it most.”