Our people

Marilyn is one of the founders of the World Cancer Research Fund network, which is responsible for helping transform public opinion to recognise that some cancers are preventable and not simply a matter of genetics or bad luck.

She has dedicated more than 40 years to cancer prevention, by promoting authoritative global research and health information. Marilyn continues to provide strategic direction and leadership for the World Cancer Research Fund network.

Rachael joined World Cancer Research Fund International in 2004 and has been a vital member of the World Cancer Research Fund team ever since. Rachael works with Marilyn Gentry to lead the World Cancer Research Fund Network of cancer prevention charities in the USA, the UK and in the Netherlands.

Rachael is also the CEO for World Cancer Research Fund’s presence in the UK and is passionate about ensuring that our work truly does empower people to take action to lead healthier, happier, cancer-free lives

Vickie joined World Cancer Research Fund International in 2006 as our IT Manager and since then has risen through the ranks before taking over her current role as Director of Operations in 2017.

Working with teams in the USA and the Netherlands, she’s responsible for ensuring the business and financials elements of World Cancer Research Fund International and the World Cancer Research Fund Network are run smoothly and efficiently.

Dr Mitrou, known as Giota, has a PhD in genetic epidemiology from the University of Cambridge and has written several papers in the area of diet and cancer. She previously held research positions at the National Cancer Institute in the US and at the University of Cambridge.

She has worked at WCRF for over 15 years in various senior positions within the science department. In her current role she has overall responsibility for our science and policy programmes.

Helen is a Registered Dietitian and has a PhD in epidemiology and public health from UCL. She previously worked as a Senior Research Fellow at UCL at the Institute of Child Health and the Department of Behavioural Science and Health. Her work has focused on obesity and nutrition, through a behavioural science lens, as well as carrying out policy-related research.

She has a broad range of experience, including developing and evaluating behavioural interventions; undertaking systematic literature reviews; dietary assessment; and carrying out quantitative, qualitative and experimental research. At WCRF, she is primarily supporting the Global Cancer Update Programme.

Kate oversees our policy and public affairs work across the WCRF network and works closely with the science department to translate our evidence into population level policy recommendations. Kate has responsibility for our World Health Organization official relations collaboration and international advocacy, policy research and development work, and supporting our network charities with their policy priorities.

Kate cultivates partnerships and connections with individuals and organisations that can support and leverage our policy priorities. She led the policy team’s contribution to the EU-funded 5-year CO-CREATE (link) policy research project which wrapped up in 2023.
Kate has a background in policy and public affairs, human rights and social policy.

She has worked in a wide variety of sectors at both UK and international level including disability organisations, sport and exercise and the food and drink industry. She has a degree in combined social science from Durham University and a Masters in human rights law from SOAS.

Julia has obtained a MSc in Drug Discovery and Translational Biology from the University of Edinburgh, and a PhD in Cancer Biology from Imperial College London. Prior to joining WCRF, Julia completed her postdoctoral research at The Francis Crick Institute, specialising in cancer metabolism and solidifying her experience in conducting literature reviews, mechanistic research and data analysis.

At WCRF, Julia is responsible for ensuring the effective running of a successful Regular Grant Programme and establishing the second Inspire Research Challenge. She is also managing additional external research collaborations, WCRF Academy activities and communicating with internal and external stakeholders about the findings and impact of the grants we fund.

Kate is our Science and Policy Advisor. She is particularly interested in the use of scientific evidence to help promote and effect policy change, as well as creating bridges and building capacity between the cancer and nutrition communities.

She also has a focus on integrating more information on cancer and nutrition into the undergraduate medical curriculum, to help ensure that the doctors of tomorrow are well equipped to discuss issues around diet and cancer with their patients.

Kate has a science communications background and a neurosciences PhD from the University of London.

Rachael became CEO of World Cancer Research Fund in 2019. She’s worked for the World Cancer Research Fund network for over 15 years, having held the position of World Cancer Research Fund International Executive Director prior to becoming CEO.

Rachael leads World Cancer Research Fund’s presence in the UK and is passionate about ensuring that our work truly does empower people to take action to lead healthier, happier, cancer-free lives.

She works closely with the senior management team to drive the overall strategic development, direction and operational management of WCRF as well as other network executives to guide the network vision and work.

Gerard oversees our fundraising department. This includes events, community, legacy, and trusts and foundations fundraising, as well as corporate partnerships and supporter services.

Gerard joined the World Cancer Research Fund family in 2017. He has worked in the commercial sector and for the past 15 years he’s been employed in the not-for-profit/third sector, where he thrives on working for organisations that help those in need.

Gwen joined World Cancer Research Fund in 2011 with over 20 years of human resources experience. She’s responsible for leading the development of World Cancer Research Fund’s people, culture and organisational capacity, ensuring that we attract, retain and develop talent that is empowered to significantly contribute to and achieve our organisational objectives.

Roderick joined the Board in May 2019. He is the owner and managing director of Quality Irish Stoves Limited. He has had nearly 3 decades of senior level management experience in business development, marketing, sales, and database management.

He has worked for companies in the UK, Ireland, the US and France. He is active in the community and has served and continues to serve in a leadership capacity in a variety of companies and membership bodies in the UK and Ireland.

Roderick shares his expertise in business development, marketing, sales, and database management to help grow World Cancer Research Fund and spread our message of cancer prevention.

Alison joined the Board in 2015 following her retirement as a partner from the London office with the international law firm, Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

She was an active member of the Labour & Employment Practice Group of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms.

With over 36 years of legal experience Alison has advised not-for-profit organisations on matters including internal policies, employment issues, tax and pension law and employee benefits.

Alison shares her expertise with World Cancer Research Fund on employment and legal matters following nearly four decades of experience.

Ashley is Emeritus Professor of Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Bristol. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2014, having been a member of the World Cancer Research Fund Grant Panel for several years.

Now retired, Ashley’s previous research investigated how active travel contributed to the physical activity of children and adults and impacted health outcomes, particularly in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Ashley was Head of the University’s Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences for 8 years, co-lead of the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Unit in Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle, and chair of the Sedentary Behaviour Expert Working Group for the UK Chief Medical Officer Physical Activity Guidelines 2019. Ashley continues to encourage and advise the World Cancer Research Fund in areas of research.

Antoinette joined the Board in May 2019. She is the founder and managing director of Lilac Blue London Limited. She is active in the community, supporting charities such as Rhythms of Life, the London Homeless charity.

She has had extensive international experience in leadership positions in the areas of business development, public relations, and sales. She is considered an expert in online and digital marketing.

Antoinette’s extensive international experience and understanding of cultural differences, coupled with her fluency in French and Spanish, will be invaluable as World Cancer Research Fund works to spread the message of cancer prevention.

Antoinette shares her expert knowledge in the areas of business development, public relations, sales, and online and digital marketing with World Cancer Research Fund following more than two decades of experience.

She has a keen interest in nutrition and the role nutrition plays in disease prevention.

Susan joined the World Cancer Research Fund Board in 1990. Now retired from the commercial real estate business, Susan spent more than 3 decades in the field.

Previously, she was a licensed commercial property broker as well as Senior Managing Director of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank in Washington DC, US — one of the world’s leading commercial property advisory firms.

Susan has served as president of a number of business and property membership bodies in Washington DC. An astute businesswoman throughout her career, she shares her expert knowledge of operational success with the World Cancer Research Fund.