Richard Meddings (CBE) announced as new chair of trustees at Breast Cancer Now

Richard brings a wealth of experience from across health and financial sectors, most recently holding a three-year tenure as Chair of NHS England which included him overseeing the post-COVID recovery, reducing the elective backlog, developing long-term workforce and capital plans, investing in digital platforms, and supporting the devolution to integrated care boards.

Prior to this, Richard’s roles have included being non-executive director on the Boards of 3i Group, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Legal & General, Jardine Lloyd Thompson and also TSB, where he was Chair. As Group Finance Director of Standard Chartered he played a critical role in the bank’s expansion and in its navigation of the financial crisis.

He served for seven years on the Board of HM Treasury, and in the charity sector has been a Board member and senior independent director of TeachFirst, and for 12 years the Chair of charity Seeing is Believing, which is focused on eliminating avoidable blindness across the world.

He will succeed outgoing Chair Jill Thompson from 30 April 2026 and guide the charity in delivering its recently launched strategy, Change Happens Now, to move further, faster for anyone affected by breast cancer, and almost double its income to £100 million in the next five years.

In preparation for becoming Chair, Richard is already engaged with the charity, observing and familiarising himself with the board’s governance processes and strategic priorities and meeting key stakeholders.

Richard Meddings said: “I am honoured to have been asked to chair Breast Cancer Now. It is a hugely important charity and mission, providing not only funding for lifesaving research but also importantly providing direct life-changing support for anyone affected by breast cancer. While progress has been made, there is still so much more to do to transform the outlook for all those affected by this devastating disease.”

Claire Rowney, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, said: “Driving faster progress for those affected by breast cancer has never been more urgent. I’m delighted Richard is joining us and bringing his expertise, energy and dedication to our cause.

“A big thank you to Jill for her passion and leadership over the past seven years, which has shaped Breast Cancer Now into the compassionate and impactful charity it is today.”

Richard’s contributions have been recognised with Honours including Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2021 and an Honorary Fellowship from Exeter College, Oxford in 2023.

ENDS

To arrange an interview with Richard Meddings once he has taken up the post of Chair of Trustees (from 30 April 2026), please contact the Breast Cancer Now press office at press@breastcancernow.org or call 07436 107914.