Changes to our Board of Trustees

They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various specialist areas such as Human Resources, Engineering and Infrastructure, Audit and Finance, and IT and Digital, as well as their general governance, business and non-executive experience. These attributes, coupled with their shared commitment to the cause of our great Institution, will be of tremendous value. Please do say hello to them in the coming months as they continue with their induction. I know some of you have already given them a warm welcome at various events and around the coast. We will be continuing with more visits, training observations and tours of our facilities.

Our Trustees are a body of volunteers who carry the full financial and legal responsibility for everything the RNLI does. They approve and oversee the implementation of our strategic plans, annual budget, and annual report and accounts, along with many other responsibilities. Trustees also sit on committees of the Board.

Trustees are appointed from within and by the RNLI Council. They may serve up to nine years, typically made up of three-year terms. The full list of Trustees can be found on our Trustee page.

Introducing our new Trustees

Simon Bowen

Simon is the Chair of Great British Energy – Nuclear, having previously served as the nuclear industry adviser to the Prime Minister. Simon began his career as an engineering officer in the Royal Navy, serving on submarines and subsequently led multiple operational businesses across the petrochemical, renewables, civil nuclear, and defence nuclear sectors.

‘I am privileged to be part of the RNLI and support our crews, lifeguards and water safety teams, who save so many lives,' he said. 'It is our responsibility to give our people the best quality equipment to do their courageous work as safely as possible.’

Jo Danton

Jo spent the majority of her executive career at the Bank of England, where she held various senior roles including HR Director and, most recently, Chief Operating Officer. Previous to these roles, Jo worked in various policy and operational roles in the Bank of England and also undertook a secondment to the UK Border Agency.

Jo said: ‘I feel privileged to be part of an organisation providing such a critical role, and with a workforce of volunteers and staff working together to deliver our purpose. The impact of the work we do is clear, not just for the individuals saved but also their families and communities.’

Breno Gentil

Breno is a technology executive with over 20 years of international leadership experience driving digital transformation across global organisations including Heineken, British American Tobacco and Kraft Foods. He has led complex, multi-market technology functions and delivered large-scale digital and IT strategies. He is currently a Strategic Partner at IT consultancy C.I.KNOW, and said: 'Having experienced both the beauty and raw power of the ocean, from my first steps aboard a sailboat as a boy to a recent transatlantic crossing, I have developed a deep admiration for the RNLI’s lifesaving mission.’

Janet Pamment

Janet had a long and varied career in the private sector spanning the oil, drinks and electricity industries. Following her sponsorship by BP through higher education, she worked for the company in a wide variety of roles from refinery economics and logistics, North Sea gas contract negotiation, internal communications and culture change, and competitor analysis, as well as being European Bitumen manager in Belgium for three years.

Janet said: ‘It’s such an honour to be part of this incredible organisation, which is held in such high regard by everyone. I feel very lucky to be offered the chance to volunteer for the Trustee Board and to bring my own background to help wherever I can.’

David Smith

David trained as an economist and management accountant and is an experienced corporate officer, with a strong background in finance and governance. He spent 25 years in the automotive industry and was Chief Finance Officer (CFO) at Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, as well as Group CFO for both Rolls-Royce and QinetiQ. He has also been the Chief Executive of Jaguar Land Rover.

He said: ‘I’ve been a great admirer of the RNLI ever since learning about Grace Darling at school and feel honoured to be asked to be a Trustee. I really want to help the RNLI deliver on its future vision and will use my governance and corporate change experience to further this goal.’

I know that you will join me in welcoming Simon, Jo, Breno, Janet and David, whose expertise and enthusiasm will be an asset to the RNLI.

We very much look forward to working with them to realise our shared goal, to save every one.

Janet Legrand

Chair of Trustees