Pancreatic Cancer Action announces appointment of new Chair and trustees
We are delighted to announce that Giulio Codacci-Pisanelli has joined us as the Chair of the Board of Trustees. David Slater and Gabriella Lesca have also joined us as trustees.
Giulio Codacci-Pisanelli brings a wealth of experience and expertise from a long career working in finance and investment banking to the role of Chair of the Board at Pancreatic Cancer Action.
Giulio began his career in the finance and strategic planning departments of Olivetti and FIAT. He then moved into investment banking, working on large capital market transactions, hostile take overs and IPOs for organisations including Chase Manhattan, Merrill Lynch and BNP Paribas. He has also occupied the role of Professor of Corporate and Investment Banking at the Università di Bari in Italy.
Giulio has a personal connection to pancreatic cancer as he sadly lost his wife Sarah to the disease in 2022.
Giulio Codacci-Pisanelli said: “Since losing my wife Sarah to pancreatic cancer, I want to help people dealing with the disease. Pancreatic Cancer Action is doing fantastic things and l am looking forward to getting involved in whatever way I can. I want to help the whole team to achieve the goals of the charity. I hope to apply the skills I acquired during my career in banking, such as managerial and relationship management skills, to help Pancreatic Cancer Action grow and progress.”
Joe Kirwin, Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “I am thrilled that Giulio has chosen to join Pancreatic Cancer Action as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Giulio has had a long and distinguished career in banking, and the skills and expertise he brings will be such an asset to Pancreatic Cancer Action. I look forward to working closely with him as we look ahead to the next chapter.”
Codacci-Pisanelli takes over from Nicola Rees-Mumford, who occupied the role of Chair for a decade before stepping down in May 2024.
David Slater also joins Pancreatic Cancer Action as a new trustee. David has had a prominent career that began when he joined the Department of Employment in 1979 and became a fast-stream civil servant. He held policy and delivery posts across a number of departments, including developing Investors in People, and leading major IT and building programmes.
After moving to the North East in 1995, he worked in senior positions in two local authorities, dealing with regeneration, finance, HR and environmental services. Since taking early retirement, he has served as a trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees for several charities.
David has personal experience of pancreatic cancer as he was diagnosed with the disease and underwent successful surgery in 2022.
David said: “I enjoy every day, and I know that with Pancreatic Cancer Action’s brilliant work, many more can have the same from life.”
David is joined by Gabriella Lesca as one of Pancreatic Cancer Action’s new trustees. Gabriella is a Senior Manager working in procurement and contract management, with experience spanning public and private sector. She has robust experience in negotiating and managing complex national and international contracts across different sectors.
Joe Kirwin said: “I am thrilled that both David Slater and Gabriella Lesca have agreed to join Pancreatic Cancer Action as trustees. They both bring a wealth of experience and knowledge and I look forward to working with them as the charity continues to grow and develop.”