Bowel Research UK has appointed Kathryn Pretzel-Shiels as its new chief executive following her period as interim CEO since October 2025.

Pretzel-Shiels takes on the role permanently after leading the organisation through a period of transition as charity strengthens its focus on funding high-quality research and increasing impact.

She has been closely involved with the charity since 2016, initially serving as a trustee before becoming chair of the fundraising, marketing and communications committee, and later stepping into the role of interim CEO.

The charity said her appointment reflects both her deep understanding of the organisation and her long-standing commitment to its work.

Pretzel-Shiels brings more than 30 years of international business and marketing leadership experience. She spent 28 years at American Express before becoming marketing director at PAUL Ltd. She has also held a number of board and advisory roles across the charity and not-for-profit sector.

Her connection to the cause is also personal, having lost her fiancé to bowel cancer at a young age.

“It is a privilege to take on the role of CEO on a permanent basis, having worked closely with the charity for many years and more recently as Interim CEO," Pretzel-Shiels said.

"We have a strong platform to build on and a clear opportunity to further strengthen our impact by supporting early-stage, early-career research that leads to breakthrough science for bowel cancer and other bowel conditions.

"I look forward to working with the team, supporters, researchers and wider community to continue driving this forward and to create an organisation that can turn collaboration into real progress”

Bowel Research UK chair, Asha Senapati added: “Kathryn has already demonstrated strong and effective leadership previously as a trustee and then during her time as Interim CEO. Her appointment provides continuity, stability and clear direction for the charity at an important stage in its development.

"Her combination of commercial expertise, governance experience and personal commitment to the cause makes her exceptionally well placed to lead Bowel Research UK into its next phase.”

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