British Red Cross announces Carl Cowling and Mark Beddy to join board of trustees

The British Red Cross is pleased to announce the appointment of Carl Cowling and Mark Beddy to its board of trustees. 

Both new trustees bring a depth of experience in leadership, strategy, operations and finance that will support the British Red Cross in its work to help people in crisis across the UK and globally. Carl Cowling and Mark Beddy will formally join the board on 1 January 2025. Mark will become the finance and audit committee chair.

Carl Cowling is the Group CEO of WH Smith PLC, a global leader in travel retail. Carl also chairs the WH Smith ESG Steering Group, where he drives initiatives for sustainability and social impact, underscoring his commitment to responsible business practices. Before joining WH Smith, Carl served as Managing Director of Global Partnerships at Carphone Warehouse and spent over ten years in leadership roles at Currys.

Mark Beddy is a chartered accountant and brings rich experience auditing and advising listed companies and working with charities and cultural institutions. He was a senior audit partner at Deloitte until 2018, when he became a trustee of the British Council, chairing the finance committee He is an independent member of the finance committee of the London Symphony Orchestra and is chair of LSO Productions. Until 2022, he was chair of trustees of English Touring Opera. He is also a non-executive director of Schroder European REIT plc and Portfolio REIT PLC.

Deborah El Sayed and Liz Hazell will both standing down from their roles on the board on the 31 December 2024. Deborah has been a trustee since 2017, and Liz has been with the British Red Cross for 15 years. 

Liz Padmore, Chair of the British Red Cross, said: “I am delighted to welcome Carl Cowling and Mark Beddy to the board, each brings specific expertise and skills that will help us in our work to guide the British Red Cross.

“Carl brings significant retail and operational knowledge and commercial acumen from his executive roles. His knowledge and insights on running a complex business delivering services across continents through multiple partnerships will be invaluable as we innovate and plan for the future. 

“Mark will chair our finance and audit committee and has a wealth of financial leadership and audit experience. He will bring vital financial stewardship expertise that will be critical in ensuring the board upholds the financial integrity, sustainability and accountability of the British Red Cross, as we seek to deliver our ambitious strategy.

“We would also like to thank Deborah El Sayed and Liz Hazell for their dedicated work as they stand down. We have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from their rich expertise and commitment to the success of our organisation. We will miss them both.”

Notes to editors

About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders.

The British Red Cross Board is composed of seven members elected from our body of volunteers and six members, appointed by the board. With the addition of Carl Cowling and Mark Beddy to the board on 1 January 2025, the British Red Cross will continue to strengthen its commitment to supporting people in times of crisis, whoever and wherever they are.

For further information

Contact Jemima Young – jemimayoung@redcross.org.uk or press@redcross.org.uk or call 0207 877 7557. For out of hours call 07710 391 703.