Catherine Hawkins appointed as Chair of the BMC Board

Catherine will lead the Board as the BMC embarks on its next strategic cycle, reinforcing its dedication to protecting and promoting the future of hill walking, climbing, and mountaineering. Her leadership will help ensure that people can continue to embrace adventure both now and for generations to come.

Catherine has an impressive 20-year track record of developing and delivering strategies for some of the UK’s largest membership and outdoor recreation organisations, including English Heritage and Forestry England. She is soon to conclude a five-year tenure as Chair of National Parks Partnerships, where she has successfully led the organisation through a period of growth and expansion. She founded her own consultancy Think!Sponsorship in 2002 and currently serves as a Trustee of the Essex Wildlife Trust.

Catherine Hawkins, incoming Chair of the BMC, said:

“I am excited and delighted to have been appointed Chair of the BMC at such a pivotal moment in its 80-year history. The BMC’s commitment to ensuring that knowledge, access, and adventure remain available to all are values that I wholeheartedly support. The values of inclusivity, conservation, and community engagement are embedded in the BMC’s DNA, and I look forward to working with the Board, members, and stakeholders to build on the organisation’s strong legacy as we embrace future opportunities for growth and development.”

Paul Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of the BMC, said:

“Catherine brings a strong values-based approach to her leadership and an outstanding commitment to outdoor recreation and access and conservation. Coupled with this is her proven track record as a Chair.

“With strong financial acumen, political skills, and commercial innovation, her extensive experience in heritage, promoting opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and memberships organisations aligns strongly with the BMC’s purpose to help us advance our organisation through our 2025-2030 strategy.

“I look forward to working alongside Catherine as she leads the Board in shaping the BMC’s future.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to John Wilmott for his leadership, support and dedication to me and the organisation during his time as Interim Chair of the Board.”

Dominic Oughton, President of the BMC, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Catherine into this role and look forward to working with her to lead the BMC through the development and delivery of our Strategy for the next 5 years and beyond.

“The organisation has a unique governance structure, with the Chair (Catherine), CEO (Paul) and myself as President, working together to represent and deliver value for our members constituencies and the wild places that we all treasure.

“Catherine’s experience collaborating with stakeholders in the natural environment and building win-win partnerships will complement Paul’s strengths in performance, membership and his experiences in the outdoors and my own background in climbing and business. Together, and along with the rest of the Board, I’m sure we will make a really strong team.”