Cancer Research UK appoints new Executive Director of Fundraising and Marketing

Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest charity dedicated to saving lives through research, has appointed Philip Almond as executive director of fundraising and marketing.

Philip brings a wealth of marketing experience to the charity.  He spent six years at the BBC as chief marketing officer, where he grew public support for the corporation during charter renewal, co-led myBBC, a big data initiative delivering personalised online content and a database of 32 million signed-in users, and founded BBC Creative, the BBC’s award-winning in-house agency.

Prior to that, Philip worked at Diageo for 17 years where he built effective business and marketing strategies as global brand director and chief marketing officer for popular food and drink brands.  Most recently he has founded and run his own marketing and coaching consultancy.

In his role at Cancer Research UK, Philip will be responsible for leading the charity’s brand, marketing and mass fundraising teams, which includes events and campaigns such as Race for Life and Stand Up To Cancer, as well as legacies and the charity’s chain of 600 high street shops.  He will also focus on how the charity builds long-term relationships with its volunteers and donors, and develop new, innovative fundraising ideas, that recognise the different ways that people choose to support the charity.

Philip Almond said: “I’m very excited to be joining Cancer Research UK in December.  Fundraising underpins everything the charity achieves, and it will be a huge privilege to head up one of the most successful teams in the sector.  The charity is very close to my heart, and I’m looking forward to working with so many inspiring people who are equally passionate about the cause.”

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK chief executive, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Philip to Cancer Research UK. His wealth of marketing experience will help us to continue to keep our supporters at the heart of everything we do and ultimately help us beat cancer sooner.”

Philip will start his new role on the executive board at Cancer Research UK in December, taking over from Ed Aspel who left the charity in November after nine years.