Our Board
Dr Diane Hill OBE DL
Chair
Diane is the Independent Chair of the GNCF Board. Diane chaired the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership in Gloucestershire for 12 years, a founding partner of the GNCF, and was awarded an OBE in 2013 in recognition of her work towards making the GFirst LEP one of the most successful in the country. Diane was also later awarded the position of Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire (2015). Before Chairing the LEP Diane was Chief Operating Officer of Super Dry for 22 years (taking the company from SME to PLC and floating on the stock market); is now also Chair of Cheltenham Festivals Charity and the NHS ‘Big Space Cancer Appeal’, as well as other roles contributing to the Gloucestershire economic growth and sustainability.
Rachel Lenane
CEO
Rachel is GNCF’s CEO and has led the development of the business, overseeing all aspects including governance, delivery mechanisms, and relationships with stakeholders including landowners, developers, and Local Authorities. Rachel is a specialist in biodiversity net gain, natural capital investment and ecosystem services.
Alastair Chapman
Director
Alastair is Head of Environment and Sustainability at Forest of Dean District Council and is one of two ecology and nature conservation representatives on the Board. Alastair helps oversee that GNCF’s work directly benefits to biodiversity through nature-based solutions through both development management and planning policy. When time and conditions allow Alastair heads in to a kayak for a paddle; along the Wye or to the coast.
Sarah Danson
Director
As Head of Environment and Waste at Gloucestershire County Council, Sarah is one of our County Council representatives on the Board. Sarah was formerly Director of Strategic Growth at the GFirst LEP with strong business connections across the county. As well as representing the Council, Sarah also oversees Business Operations Management within GNCF, focusing on areas such as resourcing and business policies.
Stuart Pickles
Director
Stuart Pickles is an executive coach and leadership advisor specialising in organisational transformation, culture, and regenerative leadership. He works with senior leaders and leadership teams to align commercial performance with purpose. Drawing on a background as a Chief Financial Officer, Stuart brings a strong commercial perspective alongside deep expertise in coaching and leadership development. Over the past decade, he has focused on helping leaders integrate environmental and social considerations into strategy, enabling businesses to balance the demands of profit, people, and planet.
Sophia Price
Director
Sophia was the Heritage and Design Manager at Cotswold District Council (now retired) with a strong background in ecological science. She represents the Local Nature Partnership (LNP), and the link between GNCF and the LPAs, as well as being one of two Board members that focus on ecology and nature conservation. Sophia helps ensure GNCF takes a strategic approach to nature conservation, works fairly with landowners and provides a link between GNCF and the LNP Board.
Contact
c/o Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Ellenborough House, Wellington Street,
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1YD
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1YD
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