Team: Senior Management Team

Our Senior Management Team is responsible for managing the operational and strategic work of the Lodge. It comprises our Executive Team – the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive, and Finance Director – together with our Programme Director, General Manager, Head Chef, Development Director, Buildings Manager, Press & Communications Director and Sales & Marketing Manager.

Fergus Drake OBE

Fergus Drake OBE

Hello, I’m Fergus. I’m passionate about the mission of Cumberland Lodge to grow the next generation of ethical youth leaders to build more peaceful, open, and inclusive societies. I have[…]

Julie Tanner

Julie Tanner, Business Development and Marketing Manager at Cumberland Lodge

Hi, I’m Julie. I recently joined Cumberland Lodge in November 2024, as the Business Development and Marketing Manager. My main responsibility is to generate new marketing and business opportunities for[…]

Robert Szewczyk

Rob Szewczyk

Hi, I’m Robert. I first joined Cumberland Lodge in 1985. Food plays a very important part of the Cumberland Lodge experience and we aim to not only source the best[…]

Professor Melissa Butcher

melissa_butcher

Hi, I’m Melissa. I joined Cumberland Lodge in 2023 and I’m responsible for managing the charity’s programme development and implementation. I have over two decades’ experience leading major programmes and[…]

Nicola Hine

Nicola Hine

Hi, I’m Nicola. I joined Cumberland Lodge in 2021, and I am responsible for managing our internal and external communications, including our online presence, social media, and media enquiries. A[…]

Merrill Ryan

Merrill Ryan

Merrill joined us in August 2018 as our General Manager, and since September 2020 she has been the Hospitality Director and part of our Executive team. Merrill trained in Catering[…]

Colin Baker

Colin Baker wearing his nice shirt, stood outside Cumberland Lodge.

Hi I’m Colin and I joined Cumberland Lodge as Buildings Manager in February 2017. Before joining the Lodge I worked as Facilities Manager at Field End Schools, a combined infant and junior school[…]

Sarah Mann

Sarah Mann

Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve worked at Cumberland Lodge for over 20 years and been part of our front of house team for more than 10 years. I am responsible for ensuring[…]