Helen Rowntree appointed Blood Cancer UK’s chief executive

Helen has been interim chief executive since November, and has now been appointed to the permanent role following an external recruitment process involving trustees, staff and people affected by blood cancer.

Helen has been with Blood Cancer UK since 2019 – she was Director of Research, Services and Engagement before becoming interim chief executive. Before joining Blood Cancer UK, she worked in the NHS, leading the development of digital services such as nhs.uk.

John Ormerod, Chair of Blood Cancer UK, said: “We were pleased to have a very strong field of candidates. It is testament to the culture we have built here that so many high-calibre people wanted to join us. We are also delighted that, in Helen, we have been able to appoint someone with the leadership and strategic vision to help ensure we have an even greater impact on behalf of people affected by blood cancer. I am looking forward to working with Helen to deliver our new strategy.”

Helen said: “Blood Cancer UK is a special charity that has already achieved amazing things by harnessing the determination of people affected by blood cancer to fund research that has saved thousands of lives. So it is a privilege to get the chance to lead it through what will be a hugely important period in its history. For all the progress we’ve made over the last 60 years, too many people are still dying of blood cancer, and I am looking forward to continue working with people affected by blood cancer and our brilliant staff to bring forward the day when blood cancer is finally beaten.”

Vij Chauhan, a member of the blood cancer community who was part of the recruitment process, said: “As someone who has myself been affected by blood cancer, it’s important to me that Blood Cancer UK is led by someone committed to ensuring our community is involved in everything it does. So I am excited that in Helen we have appointed someone who impressed us with her commitment to making sure people affected by blood cancer are at the heart of our work, and I look forward to working with her in doing this.”

Gill Murphy, also a member of the blood cancer community part of the recruitment process, said: “I look forward to being a part of Blood Cancer UK's community under Helen's leadership. It was an honour to be a part of the panel and to represent our community. I think being directly involved in the recruitment process yet again illustrates to me the charity's commitment to putting those affected by blood cancer at the heart of all that Blood Cancer UK does.”