CEO Dr Angela Hind announces plans to step down, after 20 years of transformative leadership
Medical Research Foundation CEO Dr Angela Hind has announced she will be leaving her role in November this year, marking 20 years of defining, transformative leadership.
Since joining the Foundation in 2006 as its first employee, Angela has steered the organisation through its most formative years, leading its rapid transformation from a collection of charitable funds into a thriving, fully independent charity.
Becoming a modern, fully independent charity
Today, as a team of 40, the charity funds more life-changing medical research every year.
The Foundation’s roots date back to 1919, when the first known donation was received in support of medical research. Throughout the decades, many generous individuals and organisations continued to give to the Medical Research Council (MRC), either through donations or legacies, in recognition of its vital work.
In 2006, Angela was tasked with modernising these charitable funds by establishing a new, modern and fully independent organisation. This involved appointing a new board of trustees, developing dedicated research funding mechanisms, and formally separating from the MRC. These efforts culminated in the launch of the Medical Research Foundation in 2011.
'Privilege' of fulfilling donors' wishes
Throughout her tenure as CEO, Angela has been a passionate advocate for the charity’s donors, often describing the ‘privilege’ of ensuring their wishes are fulfilled. Angela has also championed emerging scientists, enabling the Foundation to provide vital early career funding and empowering the next generation of research leaders dedicated to tackling overlooked health conditions.
Among Angela’s many achievements, she pioneered the creation of the UK’s first national PhD training programme in antimicrobial resistance, drove sustained and much-needed investment into eating disorders research, and championed equitable global partnerships to tackle the health impacts of climate change.
It has been deeply rewarding to dedicate nearly 20 years of my professional life to building and leading the Foundation, alongside our exceptional trustees, staff team and our inspiring researchers and partners. Dr Angela Hind, our departing CEO
Angela added: “I firmly believe good leadership means acting in an organisation’s long-term interests, and for the Foundation, that means stepping aside at a time that gives the next CEO the strongest possible platform for success. That time is now. The Foundation is in a strong, stable position, with a clear mission, excellent people and solid foundations for the future. This creates the best possible environment for new leadership to come in and thrive. I wish them every success in taking the Foundation forward.”
Our Chair, Professor Paul Moss OBE, said: “As our first ever CEO, Angela has made a truly extraordinary contribution to the Medical Research Foundation.”
“Under her formative and inspirational leadership, the charity has grown rapidly in scale, impact and reputation, and she leaves behind an extremely strong team and a clear sense of purpose. We are fortunate to have an immensely experienced Board of Trustees, as well as a stable and dedicated Executive Leadership Team, which will allow for a steady transition into what is an exciting new chapter for the Foundation.”
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Angela for her dedication, integrity and the lasting difference she has made to medical research and to human health.”
The search for Angela’s successor has already begun. In the meantime, Angela will remain with the Foundation until November, to ensure a smooth transition.