Executive Leadership Team

Sir Jeremy Farrar OBE FMedSci FRS is the Director of Wellcome, a global charitable foundation which supports science to solve urgent health challenges. 

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.

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

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.

Cheryl Moore is Director of Research Programmes 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. She is a strategic leader who is passionate about the role of science in improving human health.

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

In 2019, Paul joined the Wellcome Trust as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for finance, research funding, digital and technology, legal matters, Wellcome’s extensive international operations, and the Wellcome Collection.

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