Lynda Thomas, CBE steps down as Macmillan Cancer Support CEO
Lynda Thomas CBE, Chief Executive Officer of Macmillan Cancer Support, has announced she will step down from her role at the helm of the charity at the end of 2022 after over twenty years’ service, including eight years as CEO.
Lynda Thomas CBE, Chief Executive Officer of Macmillan Cancer Support, has announced she will step down from her role at the helm of the charity at the end of 2022 after over twenty years’ service, including eight years as CEO.
Announcing her decision, Lynda said: “After more than 20 incredible years with Macmillan, it is with very mixed emotions that I have decided to step down from my role. Leading this inspiring charity has been both an honour and a privilege.
“The pandemic has proven that, together with our volunteers, partners and professionals, we are strong, flexible and resilient — and I’m so proud of everything we achieved for people with cancer together during these difficult times. It has also heralded a new era where cancer care and the fundraising environment are evolving. I believe the time is right to hand over to new leadership to take the organisation forward and ensure Macmillan continues to do whatever it takes for people with cancer long into the future.”
Lynda joined Macmillan in 2001 and has transformed the charity during her two decades, including leading a brand review that saw the organisation become Macmillan Cancer Support; doubling fundraising income; and leading the charity’s response to the pandemic. She was honoured for her outstanding service to people living with cancer with a CBE in 2021.
Richard Murley, Chair of Trustees at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Lynda will leave a lasting legacy of determination and resolve to do the very best for people with cancer. Her leadership has seen Macmillan grow to support 2.3 million people in 2021; develop an award winning brand recognised as the leading charity brand in the UK market; and bounce back from the pandemic not just surviving, but thriving, raising £230 million last year. Lynda’s insight, creativity — and great sense of humour — will be much missed by us all.”
Lynda will not be taking on a new permanent role but will be focusing on her non-executive career, including continuing to serve on the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
Recruitment for Lynda’s successor commences on 3rd May 2022 and will be led by Macmillan’s Board of Trustees.
“The pandemic has proven that, together with our volunteers, partners and professionals, we are strong, flexible and resilient — and I’m so proud of everything we achieved for people with cancer together during these difficult times. It has also heralded a new era where cancer care and the fundraising environment are evolving. I believe the time is right to hand over to new leadership to take the organisation forward and ensure Macmillan continues to do whatever it takes for people with cancer long into the future.”
Lynda joined Macmillan in 2001 and has transformed the charity during her two decades, including leading a brand review that saw the organisation become Macmillan Cancer Support; doubling fundraising income; and leading the charity’s response to the pandemic. She was honoured for her outstanding service to people living with cancer with a CBE in 2021.
Richard Murley, Chair of Trustees at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Lynda will leave a lasting legacy of determination and resolve to do the very best for people with cancer. Her leadership has seen Macmillan grow to support 2.3 million people in 2021; develop an award winning brand recognised as the leading charity brand in the UK market; and bounce back from the pandemic not just surviving, but thriving, raising £230 million last year. Lynda’s insight, creativity — and great sense of humour — will be much missed by us all.”
Lynda will not be taking on a new permanent role but will be focusing on her non-executive career, including continuing to serve on the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
Recruitment for Lynda’s successor commences on 3rd May 2022 and will be led by Macmillan’s Board of Trustees.
For further information, please contact:
Macmillan Press Office
Telephone: 020 7840 7821 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Out of hours mobile: 07801 307 068.
Email: media@macmillan.org.uk.
Out of hours mobile: 07801 307 068.
Email: media@macmillan.org.uk.
About Macmillan Cancer Support
At Macmillan, we give people with cancer everything we’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are our worries. We will move mountains to help you live life as fully as you can.
And we don’t stop there. We’re going all out to find ever better ways to help people with cancer, helping to bring forward the day when everyone gets life-transforming support from day one.
And we don’t stop there. We’re going all out to find ever better ways to help people with cancer, helping to bring forward the day when everyone gets life-transforming support from day one.