New Trustees and Chair Designate

In addition, Mark Damazer has been named Chair Designate and will formally take up the position of Chair of Trustees on 1 January 2026, when The Hon. Jeremy Soames concludes his tenure after nine years as Chair.

Commenting on the new appointments, Jeremy Soames, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mark Damazer as Chair Designate of the Churchill Fellowship. His extensive career in leading institutions and his commitment to positive change will serve the Fellowship well. I am also very pleased to welcome Marina Brounger to the Board. A former member of our Advisory Council and experienced charity trustee, Marina brings valuable governance expertise together with a personal connection to the Fellowship’s story.

During my time as Chair, and previous service on the Advisory Council, I have seen the extraordinary ways Churchill Fellows have transformed lives across the UK. As we mark our 60th anniversary, it is a fitting moment to look back on these achievements and forward to opportunities ahead. As I prepare to step down, I do so with great confidence that Mark, supported by the Board, will guide the Churchill Fellowship with energy and vision into its next chapter.”

Mark Damazer added: “I am very grateful to the Trustees of The Churchill Fellowship for choosing me to follow Jeremy Soames as its Chair. If you speak to anyone involved with the Fellowship it is abundantly clear that he has been an inspiration, and his tenure has brought the Fellowship to new heights. I hope to be able to sustain and build on his remarkable legacy.

The Churchill Fellowship is a wonderful enterprise. There is nothing like it in the UK. Every year it enables well over a hundred people brimming with talent, drive, and a commitment to their communities to learn from others around the world. And it does this in many different fields.

I will be gaining a lot from every cohort of the Churchill Fellows throughout the UK – and the challenge is as exciting as it is daunting.”