John has spent most of his career in the broadcast and content industries, holding a range of creative, technology, operational and commercial roles. He served as director of Technology for the Granada Group and as global chief technology officer at the BBC, before going on to establish his own consultancy. In more recent years, he has concentrated on non-executive roles across a range of businesses, charities and public bodies.

A passionate gardener with more than 45years’ experience, John has practised organic gardening exclusively for the past five years. He’s currently developing around four acres of garden and pasture land on the western edge of the Peak District in Cheshire.

John joined the charity as a member in 2022, motivated by a growing awareness of the need for more sustainable practices in horticulture and farming. He’s particularly interested in how responsible stewardship can support both the environment and rural communities in the face of changing weather patterns, and other pressures on the countryside. He became a Trustee in 2024, bringing valuable experience from across the charitable sector, including eight years as Chair of the Silk Heritage Trust in Macclesfield.

John succeeds Joe McIndoe, who has served as Interim Chair since the start of the year. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Joe for his leadership during this period and are pleased he will continue to support the Board as Vice Chair.

You can view our full list of trustees here.