Alzheimer’s Society Appoints Dame Suzi Leather as Chair

Alzheimer’s Society’s Board of Trustees has announced that Dame Suzi Leather, DBE, will be appointed Chair in September 2023.

Suzi brings extensive experience of high-profile leadership positions from health, regulation and charity sectors. She’s worked in range of settings from national public sector bodies to community enterprise and consumer representation and she has previously chaired the Charity Commission.

Suzi is a passionate advocate for change and has a close personal connection to dementia meaning she has a commitment to the cause and understands the devastation that dementia can cause.

Suzi will be taking over from Stephen Hill who is stepping down as Chair in September after 7 years when his term comes to an end. Stephen has delivered exceptional leadership, guidance and support to the charity, leading through Covid and driving the organisation to be one of the UK’s leading charities.

Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive said: ‘I am delighted with the announcement of Suzi as our Chair and look forward to working with her. Suzi brings a wealth of experience to the role as well as direct experience of dementia. These skills and experience will be integral in supporting us to achieve our ambitious strategy and ending the devastation caused by dementia.

‘I would also like to thank Stephen for his dedication to Alzheimer’s Society over the past 7 years and for all that he has helped us achieve in this time.’
Stephen Hill, current Chair said: ‘Whilst I am, of course, sad to be leaving Alzheimer’s Society after so long on the Board, I am also very pleased that we are in such a strong position, both financially and with an excellent management team, wonderful staff and volunteers, to really deliver on our “help and hope” strategy. I wish them, and my successor, Suzi, all the very best for the future.’

Suzi Leather said: ‘I am extremely pleased to be taking on the role of Chair at Alzheimer’s Society at this exciting time. I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees and colleagues across the organisation to drive forward our ambition of providing help and hope to people with dementia. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime and I am committed to guiding the organisation through the coming months and years to transform the outcomes for these people and future generations.’