Today Macmillan Cancer Support has announced that Chair of Virgin Money UK Plc David Bennett and senior NHS leader Sir Ron Kerr have joined the charity’s Board of Trustees. David will take on the role of Chair of the Board and Sir Ron will take on the role of Chair of the Charitable Expenditure Committee, both from April 2026.
At a time when the number of people living with cancer in the UK is at a record high of almost 3.5 million and rising, the charity says the appointments further expand its networks and crucial expertise in healthcare leadership and finance.
David Bennett said: “Macmillan Cancer Support’s work is a powerful force for good, and I have a huge respect for the impact the charity has on people’s lives. I am delighted to join the board and bring my experience to help Macmillan reach even more people affected by cancer in the years to come.”
Sir Ron Kerr said: “Throughout my career my focus has always been on empowering leaders and teams to deliver the best possible care for patients. I have long admired Macmillan’s unwavering commitment to people affected by cancer, providing crucial support that complements the work of our health service.
“I am honoured to join the Board of Trustees and look forward to contributing my experience and insights to help Macmillan continue its vital work. As the landscape of cancer care evolves, I am confident that by working together, we can ensure that every person living with cancer gets the support they need to live as well as they can.”
Announcing the appointments Richard Murley, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “David Bennett brings decades of experience in finance and leadership, and we are very pleased to have him join the Macmillan board. We are equally delighted that Sir Ron Kerr is joining our board, bringing his extensive healthcare and NHS knowledge and experience. Together, they will help us transform cancer care to ensure people living with cancer can access the best care the UK has to offer, whoever and wherever they are.”
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We’re proud to have such a skilled Board of Trustees at Macmillan, and we only add new members when they’re exceptional in bringing new experience. We’ve been lucky to attract two such esteemed individuals, both in terms of the depth of their expertise and also their passion and commitment to our work. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming David and Ron to the team, and working with them to spark a revolution in cancer care in the UK.”
Macmillan Cancer Support provides around-the-clock cancer information and support for millions of people with cancer and their loved ones through the Macmillan Support Line, their website, online community and information and support centres across the UK. Their growing community of nurses, professionals and volunteer buddies provide people with cancer with the information and emotional support they need, when they need it.
At a time when the number of people living with cancer in the UK is at a record high of almost 3.5 million and rising, the charity says the appointments further expand its networks and crucial expertise in healthcare leadership and finance.
David Bennett said: “Macmillan Cancer Support’s work is a powerful force for good, and I have a huge respect for the impact the charity has on people’s lives. I am delighted to join the board and bring my experience to help Macmillan reach even more people affected by cancer in the years to come.”
Sir Ron Kerr said: “Throughout my career my focus has always been on empowering leaders and teams to deliver the best possible care for patients. I have long admired Macmillan’s unwavering commitment to people affected by cancer, providing crucial support that complements the work of our health service.
“I am honoured to join the Board of Trustees and look forward to contributing my experience and insights to help Macmillan continue its vital work. As the landscape of cancer care evolves, I am confident that by working together, we can ensure that every person living with cancer gets the support they need to live as well as they can.”
Announcing the appointments Richard Murley, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “David Bennett brings decades of experience in finance and leadership, and we are very pleased to have him join the Macmillan board. We are equally delighted that Sir Ron Kerr is joining our board, bringing his extensive healthcare and NHS knowledge and experience. Together, they will help us transform cancer care to ensure people living with cancer can access the best care the UK has to offer, whoever and wherever they are.”
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We’re proud to have such a skilled Board of Trustees at Macmillan, and we only add new members when they’re exceptional in bringing new experience. We’ve been lucky to attract two such esteemed individuals, both in terms of the depth of their expertise and also their passion and commitment to our work. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming David and Ron to the team, and working with them to spark a revolution in cancer care in the UK.”
Macmillan Cancer Support provides around-the-clock cancer information and support for millions of people with cancer and their loved ones through the Macmillan Support Line, their website, online community and information and support centres across the UK. Their growing community of nurses, professionals and volunteer buddies provide people with cancer with the information and emotional support they need, when they need it.