After serving eight years in the role, Simon Ray has stepped down as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Alopecia UK. Simon is succeeded by Chris Philipsborn as Chair from August 2023. Simon will attend his final trustee meeting in November 2023, staying with us for a few more months to ensure a smooth transition to Chris.

Chris serves as Executive Vice President and Managing Partner London at Kreab Worldwide, and additionally chairs the Ad Hoc Council and UK NGO Meningitis Now. He is also a trustee of The Bowlby Centre. The staff and trustees at Alopecia UK are sad to see Simon go but we are excited for the expertise that Chris will bring.

Simon said: “After 8 years as Chair of Trustees, it is time for me to step down from a position I have been proud to hold since 2015. A lot has happened in that time, but I will save my reflections for when I say my goodbyes in November. I am confident that, in Chris, Alopecia UK has found a skilled Chair who will be a valuable asset to the charity. I am sad to be leaving but the time is right and I am proud of all Alopecia UK has achieved during my tenure.”

Alopecia UK CEO, Sue Schilling said: “We will save our fuller thank you to Simon until we say goodbye to him in November but I would like to say now how grateful we all are to him for everything he has done for the alopecia community during his 8 years with the charity.

Endings bring us to new, exciting beginnings, which is why we are delighted to welcome Chris Philipsborn to our Alopecia UK family! With over 30 years of experience across consultancy, public affairs, commercial and NGO sectors, I am confident that Chris will enhance the impact Alopecia UK has for those affected by alopecia throughout the UK. We are looking forward to working with him to achieve our aims and objectives.”

Chris commented: "I am honoured to accept the position of Chair of Trustees and to support Alopecia UK's vital work. For nearly two decades, Alopecia UK has been the leading voice on alopecia awareness and research in the UK, and I am excited to continue building and growing the organisation with my fellow trustees and the entire team of dedicated staff and volunteers."