Esteemed insurance leader named chair of trustees at Blood Cancer UK

Insurance leader Matthew Willson (pictured) is set to become the next chair of trustees at Blood Cancer UK, a charity focused on blood cancer research and support.

Wilson, advisor to Fairfax Financial and Lloyd’s of London, is slated to assume the position in early 2024. He succeeds John Ormerod, who will be ending his five-year tenure as the current chair.

With a mandate to lead the board, Wilson joins the charity at a pivotal moment. Blood Cancer UK has invested £500 million in research over the past 50 years and it plans to increase funding while simultaneously amplifying efforts to shed light on a condition affecting 270,000 people in the UK alone.

Wilson’s insurance career includes leadership roles at Brit Insurance from 1999 to 2022, culminating in his position as group CEO in 2018. He was also chairman of Ki Insurance, in addition to serving on the boards of Brit Limited, Brit Syndicates Limited, and Ki Financial.

In 2021, Wilson faced a personal battle with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Following his treatment, he stepped down from Brit and later established the Matthew Wilson Multiple Myeloma Fund for Blood Cancer UK. Since its inception, the fund has successfully raised over £3 million.

Reflecting on his upcoming role, Wilson spoke of his commitment to leveraging both his personal and professional experience to steer the charity toward achieving its goals.

“It’s an honour to be stepping into the role of chair of trustees at Blood Cancer UK,” Wilson said in an emailed news release. “As someone with blood cancer, I know the importance that hope has in our community. Hope comes from knowing that Blood Cancer UK is working tirelessly to fund lifesaving research into all types of blood cancer.”

“I’m passionate about delivering for everyone affected, having benefited myself from years of scientific research. Blood Cancer UK has an ambitious target, but one I firmly believe we can reach with a fantastic team. I hope my story and experience of the disease, coupled with leadership skills and experience fundraising, will help steer the charity over the years to come.”

Helen Rowntree, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, also expressed excitement about the prospect of working alongside Wilson.

“I’m excited to continue to lead Blood Cancer UK under Matthew’s guidance and support, and to deliver on the commitments made in our strategy,” she said. “He is deeply passionate for the future of Blood Cancer UK and together we will work hard to find new treatments and get to a day where no lives are lost from any blood cancer.”

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