Mark Flannagan appointed as new Genetic Alliance UK Chief Executive

Mark Flannagan has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Genetic Alliance UK, taking up his new role on Monday 2 September 2024.

Mark has been a Board level leader in the NHS, national charities, medical bodies and the private sector across his career. For seven years, until 2017, he was Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer (now merged with Bowel Cancer UK). Most recently, Mark was Director of Marketing and Communications at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust from 2017 until 2024. Mark has acted as a strong advocate for people with lived experience and their families throughout his career.

Mark Flannagan, incoming Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to join Genetic Alliance UK at this vital time to drive implementation of the charity’s new five-year strategy to improve the lives of millions of people in the UK affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. I’m excited to meet our members, partners, trustees, staff and the wider community, and incredibly ambitious about what we will achieve by working together.”

Elizabeth Porterfield MBE, Chair of the Board, said: “We were thrilled with the number and high quality of the applications we received to take on this vital role, and I would like to thank everyone who put their name forward. Mark stood out due to the breadth and depth of his experience, and we are very much looking forward to him joining us in the Autumn.”

During September, Mark will be supported by outgoing Chief Executive Louise Fish for a one-month period of induction and handover to provide continuity for the charity’s members, staff and trustees.

Louise Fish, outgoing Chief Executive, said: “We know that planning for succession and continuity is incredibly important for small charities like ours in the rare and genetic conditions sector. I’m looking forward to supporting Mark during his first month at the charity and to watching Genetic Alliance UK thrive under his leadership in the years ahead.”

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You can find further details of Mark Flannagan’s career and experience on LinkedIn.