Marcus Missen joins top team at Leonard Cheshire


Marcus Missen is set to join Leonard Cheshire as its new Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications.

Marcus Missen

He moves to the international disability charity from WaterAid, where he is Director of Communications and Fundraising.

During his nine years at WaterAid, Marcus is credited with leading transformation of the charity’s brand and fundraising. He has been Chair of their Global Communications and Fundraising Executive since 2012.

Marcus is currently Vice Chair of Bond UK’s Trustee Board. He also chairs the advisory panel for The Resource Alliance and has been a trustee of the International Broadcasting Trust since 2018.

His permanent appointment to the top executive team of Leonard Cheshire’s new CEO, Ruth Owen OBE, underlines her ambition for growth across its UK and overseas programmes. Marcus will start at Leonard Cheshire on 14 June.

Marcus brings a wealth of insight and expertise from a broad range of experience in the not for profit and commercial sectors.

Prior to WaterAid he worked at NSPCC, first as Development Director then as Head of Strategy, and before that was Director of Fundraising and Marketing at EveryChild. He has also worked in fundraising roles at British Heart Foundation, Romanian Orphanage Trust and Fight For Sight.

Leslie Davey, interim Executive Director Fundraising and Marketing, will remain at Leonard Cheshire until the end of June.

Ruth Owen OBE said:

“This is a vital appoint for the charity in fulfilling our long term ambitions. Marcus has an impeccable record of success and the difference he has made at WaterAid has been remarkable. I and the rest of the team at Leonard Cheshire are immensely excited that he is joining us.

“This charity has huge potential to make an even bigger difference to the lives of disabled people in the UK and internationally. Marcus will have a pivotal role to play in powerfully telling our story, as we drive engagement with new supporters and advocate for change. I would like to thank Leslie for her fantastic impact and results over the last year, especially during the challenges presented during the pandemic”.

Marcus Missen said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Leonard Cheshire. It’s unacceptable that the rights of disabled people have not been prioritised enough by society and Leonard Cheshire’s ambition and passion to change this is exciting. We’ll achieve so much more impact through partnerships with others so moving to an engagement strategy will be an area of focus. I’m really looking forward to joining the talented team to make this a reality.”

In another exciting addition to the senior fundraising team at Leonard Cheshire, Andrew Ball has been appointed Director of Fundraising. Andrew has held previous senior roles at charities including the NSPCC and The Stroke Association.

Most recently he has been Director of Development for a group of independent schools, raising funds for bursaries for children from low income families.


Media enquiries

For further information, interviews and high res images please contact Rob Boyland, Head of Communications, onrobert.boyland@leonardcheshire.org.