OUR PEOPLE
We have more than 200 vets, scientists and support workers based at AHT HQ in Lanwades Park, Suffolk. Everyone plays their part in our fight against disease and injury. Our staff are our most important asset in this fight.
To find out more about our team, please visit the staff directory.
Below are short biographies of a few key people who spearhead the AHT's fight:
Executive Director
DR MARK VAUDIN, CEO
Mark is an experienced genome scientist and geneticist, whose expertise is recognised internationally. He completed his PhD researching aspects of the human genome, under Nobel Laureate Professor Sydney Brenner in Cambridge, and has held key positions in both academic and commercial sectors. Mark joined the AHT as Head of Genetics in 2004 and, following the retirement of the Executive Chairman, undertook the role of Interim Chief Executive from May until December 2006. In January 2007 he was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Research and in 2013, Mark was appointed CEO of the AHT.
Trustees
HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL, President
HRH The Princess Royal first visited the AHT when she was 19 and soon after became involved in our work. She has been president of the AHT since 1991.
THE LORD KIRKHAM CVO, Deputy President
Lord Kirkham has been involved with the AHT for many years. He was honoured with a Knighthood in the Queen’s December Honours List 1995, for his work for the AHT and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, and elevated to the peerage in July 1999. He received the CVO in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2001. He was made an Honorary Fellow of the AHT in 1997 and Deputy President from 2003. Away from the AHT, Lord Kirkham established the DFS furniture company in 1969 and was the driving force behind it until its sale in 2010.
SIR JOHN SPURLING KCVO OBE, Treasurer
Sir John Spurling was the founder of Pet Protect and is currently Director of Pet Partners Ltd. His Charitable interests include directorships of the London Marathon Ltd, Outward Bound Trust, Kennel Club Charitable Trust and Hearing Dogs. He is a member of The Order of The British Empire, and his presidencies include The Royal House Cricket Club. He is a member of The Lords Taverners and The Saints & Sinners Club of London. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2012
Patron
HM THE QUEEN, Patron
HM The Queen recently celebrated 50 years as Patron of the AHT. Her Majesty became our Patron in 1959 and we were awarded our Royal Charter in 1963.