THAMES Hospice has announced the appointment of a new board of trustees ahead of its new chair taking the role.
The charity is welcoming four new trustees who are set to join its board in November–one month ahead of Katherine Horler OBE’s instatement in December.
Andy Burgess, Dr Lalitha Iyer, James Breckenridge, and Dr Adrian Hayter are set to join the board as a reflection of the charity’s commitment to strengthening its leadership and drawing on a broad range of professional expertise.
It also marks the exit of two long-standing trustees, also set to step down later in the year: Mr Bruce Montgomery, who will retire at the end of August, and Dr Judith Kinder, stepping down at the end of the year.
Mr Burgess has held senior roles across start-ups, small to medium enterprises, and global corporations, and most recently worked in leading the retail sector for Google Cloud.
His experiences is predominantly in AI, digital transformation, commercial strategy, and leadership, with experience managing teams and projects across Europe, Asia, and the US.
He has worked hard to raise funds for the charity over two decades, including cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats and organising community events such as the Denham Summer Ball.
Dr Lalitha Iyer is Chief Medical Officer at NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board and a practicing GP in Slough.
She draws on over 25 years of experience in primary care and NHS leadership, driving health innovation and transformation at local and regional levels.
Her areas of expertise include population health, addressing inequalities, and integrated models of care.
She has a deep professional and personal connection to hospice care and is passionate about ensuring the highest standards of clinical governance and holistic support for patients and families.
James Breckenridge is Retail Director at John Lewis, leading a team of approximately 14,000 Partners across the UK, overseeing retail operations, customer service centres, and a multi-year transformation programme.
He has also previously held leadership roles at Selfridges, IKEA, and PC World.
Dr Adrian Hayter is a GP Partner and Medical Director at the Royal College of General Practitioners, with over 30 years of experience in primary care and health policy.
He has supported national and international programmes focused on integrated palliative care, population health, and leadership development.
Andy Burgess said: “I’m absolutely delighted and excited to be joining Thames Hospice as a Trustee, building upon my involvement as a fundraiser.
“I feel I will add significant value in the commercial area and contribute through my strong background in AI and IT.”
Dr Lalitha Iyer said: “As a GP and healthcare leader, being a Trustee of Thames Hospice is a privilege.
“I am honoured to support its commitment to compassionate, person-centred care and contribute to such meaningful work that is vital to our patients and families.”
James Breckenridge said: “I’m delighted to join Thames Hospice and hope to bring my expertise and passion for people to support the Hospice’s vital work.
“Having personal experience of the difference that end-of-life care can make makes me even more determined to add value wherever I can.”
Dr Adrian Hayter said: “I am delighted to support the Hospice in this Trustee role and look forward to working with the whole team and incredible volunteers.
“I recognise the vital role that the Hospice plays in enabling people to live well until their final days and ensuring every individual has the opportunity for a peaceful, supported end-of-life experience.”
Chris Aitken, Chair of Trustees of Thames Hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to Bruce and Judith for their dedicated service, wisdom and guidance.
“As we welcome Andy, Lalitha, James and Adrian, we look forward to the fresh insights and leadership they will bring to the Board as we continue to deliver outstanding care to those who need us most.”
