Marianne Davies
SPANA Announces New Chair Of Trustees
2 weeks ago 
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SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) announced today that Marianne Davies has been appointed as the charity’s interim Chair of Trustees. Marianne was formally voted into her new role by the SPANA Board of Trustees on 25 March 2024.
A senior HR and change professional, Marianne currently works as Global Head of People Services at GSK, where she has spent much of her executive career. She has a strong interest in animal welfare and, having visited many of the countries where SPANA works, is keen to contribute to improving the lives of working animals and their communities. Marianne joined SPANA’s Board of Trustees in September 2021 and is also a member of SPANA’s People and Safeguarding Committee. In addition to her work as a Trustee, Marianne has raised vital funds for SPANA by running the London Marathon in 2023.
Marianne Davies said: “During my three years as a Trustee of SPANA, I have been inspired by the charity’s extraordinary support for working animals. I am excited and honoured to now be appointed Chair of Trustees at SPANA, during a time when the charity is significantly developing its work to meet the growing challenges it faces from issues such as rising global poverty, political instability, and climate change.
“SPANA’s strategy for 2023-27 outlines an ambitious vision for the future of the charity and how we will radically extend our reach and impact during these turbulent times. A number of exciting new initiatives are currently in development at SPANA, which will be truly transformative for working animals and the communities they so loyally support.
“I am keen to ensure the SPANA Board plays its role in ensuring the delivery of SPANA’s strategy, and supports the charity as it builds its position as a leading driver in working animal welfare.”
SPANA’s Chief Executive, Linda Edwards, said: “We are delighted that Marianne Davies has been appointed as our Chair of Trustees at SPANA. Marianne’s commitment to working animal welfare and our plans for SPANA will help ensure the charity can transform the lives of working animals.”
Marianne Davies’ appointment follows the recent resignation of the former Chair of Trustees, Dr Mary-Lorraine Hughes. Mary-Lorraine has supported SPANA for 40 years, first as a donor, and more recently, in 2017 becoming a Trustee and in 2021 SPANA’s Chair.
Mary-Lorraine Hughes said: “As the charity moves into its second century, the time seems right for me to stand aside. It has been a pleasure to work alongside skilled and committed staff members, both in the UK and the various countries in which SPANA operates.
“I wish SPANA a successful future in focusing on the care of working animals: such worthwhile and extremely important work.”
SPANA extends its sincere thanks to Mary-Lorraine for her years of commitment and support to SPANA and the needs of working animals.
SPANA is the world’s longest-running global charity dedicated to the welfare of working animals. Globally, it is estimated that more than 200 million working animals support the livelihoods of families in low-income communities, through such activities as transporting food, water, goods and firewood. Yet, despite the importance of their work, working animals often face difficult lives and poor welfare, toiling in extreme conditions, with no available veterinary treatment.
In 2022, the charity provided vital veterinary treatment, care and support to 306,412 working animals. It also taught animal welfare lessons to 87,241 children and provided training in animal care to 89,924 working animal owners.
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