Our Senior Management Team is responsible for managing the operational and strategic work of the Lodge. It comprises our Executive Team – the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive, and Finance Director – together with our Programme Director, General Manager, Head Chef, Development Director, Buildings Manager, Press & Communications Director and Sales & Marketing Manager.
Hi, I’m Nathan and I joined Cumberland Lodge in June 2025. I began my professional journey as a Civil Engineer before transitioning into the charitable sector, where I found my passion working with young people. Following various management and leadership roles within an international charity, including seven transformative years managing a residential centre overseas, I[…]
Hello, I’m Fergus. I’m passionate about the mission of Cumberland Lodge to grow the next generation of ethical youth leaders to build more peaceful, open, and inclusive societies. I have over 25 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across the for profit, charity, and social enterprise sectors. As CEO of Crown Agents, I led an[…]
Hi, I’m Julie. I recently joined Cumberland Lodge in November 2024, as the Business Development and Marketing Manager. My main responsibility is to generate new marketing and business opportunities for the Lodge to support the charitable work of the organisation. I have over 20 years of marketing experience in the Further and Higher Education sector,[…]
Hi, I’m Robert. I first joined Cumberland Lodge in 1985. Food plays a very important part of the Cumberland Lodge experience and we aim to not only source the best quality local produce available but also to create dishes to an exceptionally high standard. I am an award-winning chef and during my time at the[…]
Hi, I’m Melissa. I joined Cumberland Lodge in 2023 and I’m responsible for managing the charity’s programme development and implementation. I have over two decades’ experience leading major programmes and international research projects in the UK, Europe, and Asia, focusing on how we manage cultural change, social conflict, diversity, and inequality. Previously I held academic[…]
Hi, I’m Nicola. I joined Cumberland Lodge in 2021, and I am responsible for managing our internal and external communications and engagement, including our online presence, social media, and media enquiries. I previously worked in the communications team at Henley Business School, University of Reading, and as a regional newspaper journalist and deputy editor. I[…]
Merrill joined us in August 2018 as our General Manager, and since September 2020 she has been the Hospitality Director and part of our Executive team. Merrill trained in Catering and Hotel Management at Eastbourne College and began her career in hospitality as a trainee manager at Brighton University, with responsibility for a residential conference centre[…]
Hi I’m Colin and I joined Cumberland Lodge as Buildings Manager in February 2017. Before joining the Lodge I worked as Facilities Manager at Field End Schools, a combined infant and junior school in Ruislip. I lead the team that maintains the complex of historic buildings and grounds at Cumberland Lodge, as well as the Lodge’s ICT facilities, conference[…]
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve worked at Cumberland Lodge for over 20 years and been part of our front of house team for more than 10 years. I am responsible for ensuring that all the conferences, meetings and special events we host run smoothly. I have a BSc degree in Sport Science, Health, Nutrition & Exercise from[…]
