Michele ‘Mitch’ Oliver appointed Vice-Chair of Stonewall

A year on from Sheldon Mills being appointed Chair of Stonewall’s board of trustees and Nancy Kelley starting as Chief Executive, Michele ‘Mitch’ Oliver has been appointed Vice-Chair of Stonewall.

Mitch takes up the Vice-Chair role from Simon Blake, who has completed two full terms on the board.

Mitch has been a Stonewall trustee since February 2019. She is Global Corporate Brand & Purpose Director for Mars, Incorporated. In this role Mitch leads the ‘Mars, Incorporated’ brand strategy. Mitch is also a Commissioner at the Civil Society Commission and Deputy Vice-Chair Unstereotype Alliance (UN Women).

She brings a wealth of experience and expertise in brand, purpose and communications to Stonewall’s board, and has played a key role in supporting Stonewall through a soon-to-be-unveiled brand and purpose refresh.

Mitch is proud to be a bi woman, a partner to Paul, and a mother of a wonderful blended family. She is passionate about shaking up conventional definitions and tackling harmful stereotypes. From challenging the perception of what family life looks like, through to using the power of brands to celebrate and support everyone in our LGBTQ+ community.

Welcoming Mitch’s appointment, Sheldon Mills (he/him), Chair of Stonewall, said: “We are so fortunate to benefit from Mitch’s experience and wisdom as a global brand leader, a global business leader and a bi woman. In her two years on the Stonewall board she has demonstrated her leadership and supported the charity through a period of leadership change, and strategy development. Simon has been an excellent Deputy Chair and trustee of Stonewall for the past six years. Everyone at Stonewall thanks him for his commitment and leadership in our work to support LGBTQ+ communities in the UK and across the world.

Michele ‘Mitch’ Oliver (she/her), Vice-Chair of Stonewall, said: “What an incredible honour it is to be appointed Vice Chair of Stonewall. Stonewall is a very special organisation, with exceptional people. The struggle for equality is different for every member of our LGBTQ+ community. Our diversity is our strength. Our power is in coming together to create a world where everyone is free to be themselves. I look forward to supporting Stonewall’s leadership in delivering on our new strategy and leveraging our refreshed brand. Simon has certainly set the bar very high as an outstanding Vice Chair, and I am privileged to build on his legacy.”