Former car firm senior executive to chair health charity’s board

Prostate Cancer UK has announced that former HR executive at the Ford Motor Company Doris Olulode is to become its next chair.

She takes over from Charles Packshaw in December, having previously spent 27 years at the car manufacturer, including stints as director of HR business operations and European employee affairs and vice president of HR in Australia and New Zealand.

As a non-executive director at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust she also chair’s its equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) taskforce.

She is also a lay member for the HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

Olulode has revealed she has a personal connection to the charity as prostate cancer has affected members of her family.

“I am proud to be joining the Board of Trustees at Prostate Cancer UK as Chair and look forward to working with the charity to realise a future where we can save and improve the lives of men with prostate cancer,” she said.

“My own personal experience with the disease, which has affected members of my family, has shown me the importance of awareness raising, encouraging men to understand their risk and to look after their health.

“It is extremely important to recognise the value that support services like Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses can provide during difficult times, and I am driven to ensure that the charity continues to support the people and families affected by the most common cancer in men.”

Prostate cancer chief executive Laura Kerby added: “Prostate Cancer UK is delighted to welcome Doris to the board and the role of chair.

“Her valuable skills, honed in senior global HR positions, alongside her expertise in EDI and extensive board experience will all be welcomed and valued by her colleagues and the wider organisation as we embark on the next decade of our charity's growth and development.”