Macmillan appoints new chair of trustees

Macmillan has appointed Richard Murley as the new chair of its trustee board.

Murley is an existing trustee, having joined the board in April 2017. He will commence his post as chair on 1 May 2019.

He has extensive experience across finance, charity, legal and healthcare sectors, including seven years as chair of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He is also an existing trustee of Crisis and Epilepsy Society, a senior adviser at Rothschild and a member of the panel on takeovers and mergers and the Medical Research Council.

Murley will replace Julia Palca, who will step down from Macmillan’s board of trustees on 1 May 2019 to take on the role of chair of City, University of London. Palca joined the board of trustees in 2001 and was elected chairman in July 2010.

Commenting on the announcement, Macmillan chief executive, Lynda Thomas said: “I am delighted at Richard’s appointment as chairman, and would like to congratulate him on his new role. His skills and experience will be integral in guiding us to deliver our strategy in what we know will be a tough external climate over the coming years, ensuring that we can continue to be right there with those who need us.

“I’d also like to thank Julia Palca for her dedication and support over the past 18 years, especially her nine-year tenure as chair, during which she worked tirelessly to champion the needs of people living with cancer. Without her input, Macmillan would not be in the strong position we are today.”

Murley added: “I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to realise Macmillan’s ambition to be right there for people with cancer, at a time when our work as a charity has never been more crucial.

“I know I speak for the rest of the Board when I say that we welcome the challenge to guide the organisation through the coming months and years, making sure that people affected by cancer are front of mind in everything we do.”