We’re delighted to announce that Stephen Boyle will be our new chair of trustees. He takes over from Gill Ackers this Thursday, 4 November. Gill's had a significant influence on our work since becoming a trustee seven years ago and she's been our chair for the last two and a half years.

Stephen already knows Autistica well as he’s been working increasingly closely with us in recent years, including helping advise on Autistica Dare, our unique collaboration with University College London looking at helping companies recruit and retain neurodiverse talent. He also joined the board as a trustee earlier this year.

He told us, “I’m absolutely delighted to be taking over from Gill at what I think is a hugely exciting time for the charity. I’ve always been struck by what a fantastic charity this is and it’s a cause that’s really important to me personally.”

Stephen is a partner at Hakluyt where he provides strategic advice to investors and corporate decision-makers on the opportunities and risks facing their businesses. He was previously a consultant with L.E.K. Consulting and PwC, and head of strategy for a major international gas supplier.

It’s truly is an exciting time for us to be welcoming Stephen. Following a better-than-expected performance in 2020-21, we will shortly be announcing a new set of visionary and ambitious goals for the future.

Gill told us, “It has been an absolute privilege to serve on the board of Autistica and to see the enormous progress we have made over the last seven years. During that time Autistica has evolved into a community-led funder of research and a campaigner for change. I am proud of how far we have come together and the clarity of the vision we have for autistic people in the future.”

Our CEO, Dr James Cusack, added, “Gill has been a brilliant and supportive chair and I know that she’ll remain involved with what we’re doing as an organisation. I am excited to be working with Stephen in his new role and I am confident he will be able to build on the progress we have made and help us reach new heights.”