Lady Norma Charlton

Patron

Lady Norma has played a central role in the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation since Sir Bobby first experienced meeting people suffering from the trauma of landmines during a visit to Cambodia with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in 2008. A mother of two daughters and with three grandchildren, Lady Norma and Sir Bobby married in 1961 and were rarely apart. She was his most trusted adviser throughout their lives together.

Stephen Cross

Chair

Stephen has worked in the Insurance & Reinsurance Industry for over 43 years and is a Founding Partner of McGill and Partners. Over the course of his career Stephen has worked in Ireland, the Caribbean, USA and UK, and has travelled extensively around the globe primarily dealing with global corporate clients with large and/or complex risks. Stephen’s charity work has focused on reconstruction in South Africa and Haiti. He joined the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation in 2015, becoming Chair in 2017.

Jane Bateman

Vice Chair & Executive Director

Jane worked for Sir Bobby in Manchester in the early 1990s, continuing to work with him upon joining The FA in 1998, where she led The FA International Relations team for over 25 years. Jane is now The FA’s International Relations & Heritage Adviser and Deputy Chair of the National Football Museum in Manchester, where Sir Bobby was its last President.

Rupert Cecil

Trustee

Rupert has over thirty years of investment management experience. He is Head of Charities at EFG Harris Allday, an associate of the CFA, and member of the UK Society of Investment Professionals and a Chartered Fellow of the CISI. Additionally, he is Honorary Treasurer and a Trustee of Age UK Bolton, a Patron of the Royal Institution of Great Britain and Chair of the Challenge Events Committee at Breakthrough, a charity for which he has run eight London Marathons.

John Shiels MBE

Trustee

John led the Manchester United Foundation as its CEO for 18 years, during which time it became one of the largest football club charities in the UK and a leading organisation for youth impact across the North West. In 2022, he was awarded an MBE for his services to young people. Prior to the Foundation, he oversaw the operations of the Bobby Charlton Soccer School, where his friendship with Sir Bobby began. John describes their 45 years of working together as the biggest honour of his life. He delivered the eulogy for Sir Bobby at his funeral in Manchester Cathedral, which was attended by HRH The Prince of Wales.

 

Kate Nixon

Trustee

Kate is an accomplished executive support and event management professional operating at the highest levels within the sport, entertainment and hospitality sectors. Now Network Events Manager at Altius8, Kate recently left Manchester United FC after 17 years. Her roles included VIP Protocol Manager and Executive Assistant to the Director of Football Operations. She had responsibility for the matchday management of Board Members, owners and high-profile guests, and worked closely with Sir Bobby and Lady Norma, Sir Alex, and many other significant members of the Club.