Our leadership team
Our leadership team looks after the day-to-day running of the charity, turning the Board of Trustees' long-term plans into action and making sure everything works smoothly so we can stay focused on supporting our community.
Mark Winstanley
Chief Executive
"I have devoted most of my adult life to Rethink Mental Illness and continue to do so as I see the unmet needs of people severally affected by mental illness and crucially the impact of the charity's work on people's lives. I am immensely proud to work for Rethink."
Brian Dow
Deputy Chief Executive
"I came to Rethink in 2014 with some lived experience of mental illness in my family and in the subsequent years have got to know so many people in a similar position. Knowing that the work I do to lead our policy and campaigning activities around mental illness helps the people closest to me, alongside people I will probably never meet is incredibly motivating and inspiring and makes my job a daily privilege."
Mark Yates
Chief Operating Officer
"I've dedicated my career to working in care and support because I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live the life they choose. I've seen the challenges people face, but I've also seen the life-changing difference that the right support can make. Being part of Rethink Mental Illness means contributing to an organisation that gives people hope, helps them rebuild confidence, and supports them to create positive change in their lives. I feel privileged to play a part in that."
Richard Trim
Chief Finance Officer
"Having seen first-hand the challenges experienced by members of my family as a result of the limitations of the health and social care system, I want to maximise the impact of every pound of funding Rethink receives. I hope, in the future, everyone affected by mental illness will receive the support they need."
Vicky Charles
Chief Business Improvement and Technology Officer
"I chose to join Rethink Mental Illness as I'm motivated by work that delivers meaningful impact; supporting people at times when they need it most and driving positive systematic change. I have a strong personal connection to the Charity’s mission. Members of my family have experienced mental illness, and this lived experience underpins my commitment and sense of purpose in contributing to the work of Rethink to improve the lives of those affected by serious mental illness."
Nicky Wood
Chief People Officer
"Rethink Mental Illness is where purpose and people come together to create real change. With personal experience of the impact of mental health issues within my close family, I feel a strong personal connection to our work. I am proud to help build a culture that reflects understanding, kindness and respect."
James Harris
Director of Communications and Campaigns
"I am passionate about ensuring people living with mental illness are treated with compassion, can access the support they need, and are not held back from living the life they choose. It is a privilege to be part of an organisation working every day to make that a reality."
Deidre Bowen
Director of UK Programmes
"I’ve built my career around championing the needs of people who are too often forgotten or overlooked. That’s why Rethink Mental Illness’s commitment to fairness, equality and challenging stigma and discrimination matters so much to me. Making sure people have a voice, are listened to and feel understood is a personal motivator for me. I’ve seen first hand the impact when the right help isn’t there, and the difference it can make when people are treated with dignity, and their needs are taken seriously. In my role, I focus on developing programmes that respond to those gaps and reach people who might otherwise be missed."
Jeremy Bernhaut
Director of Policy & Practice
"I've dedicated my career to helping improve outcomes for people facing some of the toughest challenges in society. Being part of Rethink Mental Illness means working alongside people with lived experience to ensure their voices and experiences shape lasting improvements in policy and practice."
Jonathan Munro
Director of Services
"I believe in social justice and in ensuring that everyone, including those living with severe mental illness, has the opportunity to live well. I am proud to be part of an organisation that challenges stigma, drives change, and advocates for mental health to be valued equally with physical health."
Tracy Blackwell
Director of Service Development
"I am a passionate advocate for social justice with a career dedicated to the charity sector, combining a commitment to transformational change with a pragmatic approach to improving services through co-production and lived experience. As Director of Service Development at Rethink Mental Illness, I am proud to help turn co-produced ideas into meaningful services that empower people to live fulfilling lives and make a real difference in their communities."