Macmillan Cancer Support has hired its first chief engagement officer

Sonia Sudhakar will lead the organisation in engaging and inspiring the millions of people across the UK who need cancer information and support, and who support the charity through fundraising and volunteering.

The new post is part of Macmillan’s executive team and brings together accountability for the organisation’s cancer information, marketing and mass fundraising functions.

Sudhakar brings expertise in marketing, customer experience, revenue generation and transformation, having led teams at household names including The Guardian, ITV and Royal Mail.

She said: “I was particularly drawn to the role as it blends impact and income. Combining the vital information and support content that one part of the team delivers, with the work to engage public support both in terms of money and time from another, creates an opportunity for us to have a true focus on our customers and to scale our impact as an organisation. All of this is in the context of more people being diagnosed with cancer, struggling cancer services, a busy market and a tough economic climate makes for an important challenge.

“I’m excited to work with colleagues to deepen Macmillan’s connection with people with cancer and supporters, as well as in building on the organisation’s heritage to reach and inspire more people to become part of the Macmillan community.

“I feel privileged to be Macmillan’s first chief engagement officer. My family, like many families, has been impacted by cancer and I’m looking forward to adding value to a cause that is personal to me and much needed in all of our communities.”

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