Are we asking ourselves the right question? This question is at the core of Louise’s approach whether it be about strategy, organisation or questions about ourselves. Along with a deeply held belief in culture as a competitive advantage, Louise believes these are the foundations on which innovative and lasting improvements can be built.

After a first degree and a PhD from Cambridge, Louise spent the initial 15 years of her career in the industrial sector with a variety of commercial and planning roles in ICI and English China Clays. She then joined Baxter Healthcare where she was President of the largest European business. Louise then joined BTG plc as CEO in 2004 where she led the strategic repositioning and transformational growth journey from a market cap of $0.2bn to $4.2bn.

Louise has also served as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Premier Foods plc, Intertek Group plc, Woodford Patient Capital Trust, Atotech Ltd and Theramex Ltd.  She was also a Trustee of The Outward Bound Trust for 10 years and Chair of the 1851 Trust for 5 years. Louise is an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge.

Louise has a partner and two grown-up children. Competitive sports have also played an important thread in her life from rowing, high altitude running and cross-country skiing to racing yachts.