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[…]
Fergus Drake OBE
Team: Senior Management Team
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.
Julie Tanner
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[…]
Robert Szewczyk
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[…]
Professor Melissa Butcher
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[…]
Mike Durham
Hi, I’m Mike. I joined Cumberland Lodge in 2022. I previously worked for Oxfam GB, but also have extensive commercial sector experience, including with Burberry, Tesco, and De Vere Hotels.[…]
Nicola Hine
Hi, I’m Nicola. I joined Cumberland Lodge in 2021, and I am responsible for managing our internal and external communications, including our online presence, social media, and media enquiries. A[…]
Merrill Ryan
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[…]
Colin Baker
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[…]
Sarah Mann
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[…]