Executive Leadership Team

Paul joined the Wellcome Trust as Chief Operating Officer in 2019, responsible for finance, research funding, digital and technology, legal matters, Wellcome’s extensive international operations, and the Wellcome Collection. He was appointed Wellcome's Interim Chief Executive Officer in February 2023. 

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.

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

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 a Open Research Specialist, Aki is one of Wellcome's Employee Directors. In this role Aki works to ensure that ELT benefits from the broadest range of perspectives, experiences and skills from teams across Wellcome.

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.

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.

Cheryl Moore is Chief Research Programmes Officer, 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.

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