Anne Aslett
Anne Aslett is the global Chief Executive Officer of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). Formerly, Anne served as Executive Director of the Foundation based in the UK. She has been with the Foundation for almost 20 years, having worked on EJAF UK's mission in Europe, Africa and Asia, directing all its programming across 23 countries, as International Development Director, overseeing the disbursement of over 60m grants.
Anne joined the Foundation from the commercial sector, where she managed a news information service for the UK leading print and electronic media, following over 5 years in the UK print journalism and documentary film making on health and current affairs issues.
Anne represents the Foundation on the UK HIV Commission.
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
When I joined the Elton John AIDS Foundation, there was no treatment for HIV. I still work here because the love, compassion and determination of the people who set up the Foundation in 1993 is still its DNA now.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Passionate
What does a typical day at Elton John AIDS Foundation look like for you?
I’m really lucky to work with a group of people who are curious and optimistic. So a big part of every day is discussing the big ideas that will help us get closer to our goal then helping make them a reality. And of course coffee!
If you could have one superpower what would it be?
To be able to fly. I spend a lot of time travelling so If I could skip the trains, airports, security, planes, delays…and just take off, that would be awesome!
Photo credit: Carol Allen-Storey
Fredrick Anyanwu
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
To positively impact the most marginalized and vulnerable groups globally.
What is your job title?
Chief Philanthropy Officer.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Effective
What does a typical day look like for you?
Connecting and engaging with team members and key partners.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Mind reading.
Photo credit: Lee Rayment
Tony Bernadis
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
Because it’s a great opportunity to use all my skills and experience for a cause that I believe in, I love the people and the work and projects we do and I am confident that I will make a huge difference in my work/help to the team and the foundation.
What is your job title?
IT Manager
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Preeminent
What does a typical day look like for you?
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Flying as I like to travel. It would be good to see the world by just hopping from place to place.
Sara Best
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
Because it’s an organization with ambitious goals, committed to real change.
What is your job title?
Manager, Fundraising Operations & Donor Stewardship.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Hopeful.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Working on processes and research to help the Foundation achieve its mission.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Power mimicry – the ability to copy everyone else’s powers.
Photo credit: Lee Rayment
Natasha Branch
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
To be part of a great team that can make measurable positive impacts on people’s lives across the globe.
What is your job title?
Finance Business Partner Grants
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Inspiring
What does a typical day look like for you?
Most days include a meeting with finance or grants team members; communicating with Social Impact Bond partners, such as the NHS and community health groups; managing our global grantees – doing due diligence, reviewing tranche payments, writing contracts, answering queries from the grants team or grantees; helping finance – particularly with big events; always followed by training with my rowing team!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To control time – there are never enough hours in the day!
Tom Brigden
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
Because of our strong focus on reaching those most vulnerable to HIV such as people who use drugs, sex workers and LGBT+ communities and our absolute commitment to helping those facing stigma and discrimination around the world to access lifesaving health services.
What is your job title?
Portfolio Lead, People who use drugs.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Focused.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Discussing new and existing projects with project partners around the world, visiting programs in the field and measuring the impact of the work that we fund.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To be able to turn water in to wine.
Photo credit: Carol Allen-Storey
Dean Carras
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
It’s important that what I do has a positive and lasting impact on the health and happiness of my community.
What is your job title?
Development Officer
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Iconic.
What does a typical day look like for you?
When I’m not talking with our donors I may be writing a proposal, researching a new opportunity, or working with our events team on our next fundraising opportunity.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Speed-reading.
Photo credit: Lee Rayment
Melanie Clement
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
The Foundation has a clear goal to end AIDS by 2030 and I love having the opportunity to learn about, share and communicate all the incredible stories from around the world that will help us achieve this.
What is your job title?
Digital Communications Officer
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Influential.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My role covers all the digital aspects of the Foundation so I could be updating our website with the latest grant information and case studies, creating and scheduling social media posts that tell our story or planning our next email communications.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to understand every language!
Sidhartha Deka
Why do you work at the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
I fight to achieve recognition, respect, equity, and wellbeing for those left behind in the HIV/AIDS response.
What is your job title?
Measurement and Evaluation Manager
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Love
What does a typical day look like for you?
I am the “data person”. I create tools and processes that articulate the Foundation’s lifesaving and justice-focused impact. A person living with HIV or at risk of being infected is not merely a number or a data point—rather, data is one of many mechanisms in which we can communicate a story of how we reach and empower that person. I try do my part everyday to help my colleagues and grantees to craft that story.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Make ice cream appear out of nowhere, obviously!
Lindsay Hayden
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
Because of its unwavering and unapologetic commitment to work with and on behalf of people who are often overlooked and hardest to reach.
What is your job title?
Portfolio Lead, Young People
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Fearless
What does a typical day look like for you?
I basically get to brainstorm with some of the smartest people (and young people!) in adolescent HIV, sexual & reproductive health, digital health communications, health policy etc to come up with innovative and effective approaches to addressing the needs of young people. I then spend a chunk of time with external partners and EJAF colleagues working out how to actualise the best concepts.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Perfect emotional intelligence, or the ability to fly. Can I have both?
Davine Henry
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
I’ve worked for a lot of non-profit organizations and their main concerns were the bottom line. The Elton John AIDS Foundation’s main concern is helping individuals infected with HIV/AIDS, regardless of gender, income, religion or sexual orientation.
What is your job title?
Finance Manager.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Impactful.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Managing debits, credits and donations.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Creating multiple versions of myself.
Photo credit: Lee Rayment
Steve Hindle
Why do you work at the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
To help create a world where everyone has an equal chance to live, love and be healthy without fear of discrimination.
What is your job title?
Social Impact Bond Performance Manager
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Potent.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day would be to speak with partner organisations delivering the project, congratulate their successes and identify any ways to improve their service, work with others to communicate the project’s aims and learnings so far, and ensure that the project investors and commissioners are engaged and have the information they need.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I’d like a superpower that would replace conflict with respect for others.
Glenn Horder
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
The Foundation is renowned for its quality fundraising events program which I am very happy to deliver each year. This work combines my passion for producing events, for fundraising, and for working towards a goal that is close to my heart: an AIDS-free future.
What is your job title?
Head of Events & Sponsorships.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Quality.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Planning for our next big event and working with our supporters’ requests and contributions.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Flight.
Photo credit: Carol Allen-Storey
Lee LaRosa
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
I believe in the power of change and that all humans should readily be able to extend a helping hand. I joined the Elton John AIDS Foundation because I believe in the mission and because I was, and continue to be, blown away by the passion, drive, and the willingness to extend that helping hand to the rest of the world by my colleagues. And because we are all here to work towards an AIDS free world by 2030.
What is your job title?
Development Coordinator
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Progressive
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day just consists of supporting my colleagues in any way possible to push our progress forward.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation – I love to travel but I hate to fly, so I would love to just be able to teleport and visit anywhere I want.
Fiona Russell
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
It is a charity with clear goals, great staff and an inspiring leader.
What is your job title?
Finance Director.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Driven.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Lots of numbers mixed with plenty of discussions.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleporting – no commuting ever again!
Photo credit: Carol Allen-Storey
Kali Lindsey
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
I’m driven by two things professionally: 1) My belief in the inherent potential of human compassion and ingenuity throughout the world, and 2) My passion for improved quality of life for all people living with HIV and human rights for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender men and women. The Foundation offers me a place where I can harness my values.
What is your job title?
Portfolio Lead, LGBT and US Grants.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Unique.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Usually, I start my day by learning any updates from developments in the world of HIV and LGBT justice and rights. Then, I take a dive into my to-do list, which includes a blend of business development and grant review and follow-up. And I always find time in my day to check-in with a colleague internally or working with a partner organization to share and learn insights that I can bring back to my current and future work.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I’ll be honest, it would be mind control. I wish I could shape people’s minds to be more compassionate and understanding. Everyone in this world deserves to feel safe and loved and it is only our mindset that is stopping us from delivering on this promise everywhere in the world.
Photo credit: Lee Rayment
Anna Macdonald
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
I work at the Foundation because I want to help build a future where everyone across the globe can safely access holistic HIV care, free from discrimination and stigma. With an ambitious team and incredible leader, we have the tools to tackle the global HIV epidemic and change the narrative.
What is your job title?
Grants Support Officer.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Impactful.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days are always varied. I could be writing a report, monitoring a program, organizing grant payments, or researching trends in HIV across the globe.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Precognition/future vision.
Photo credit: Carol Allen-Storey
Lucy Maikweki
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
I like that the Foundation focuses on areas not focused on by many partners to make a difference.
What is your job title?
HIV Self-Testing Brand & Campaign Manager
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Focused
What does a typical day look like for you?
Review of grantee proposed strategies and activities whilst giving technical assistance. Coordinating with various partners including the Ministry of Health in Nairobi. Developing reports and keeping track of grantee expenditure.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Ability to transform peoples hearts and minds.
Vanda Marenghi
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
I love learning about and being able to support the awesome frontline projects we fund across the globe.
What is your job title?
Finance Manager.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Passionate.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I look after the operational financial activities of the organization.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Time control.
Photo credit: Carol Allen-Storey
Louise O’Shea
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
The world has a goal to end AIDS by 2030, which is actually achievable; we have the tools. It’s unlike when I worked in the HIV/AIDS sector 10 years ago and the costs of drugs were too high and PrEP wasn't available. The Foundation plays a crucial role in funding programs that others won't, in countries others won't, because we believe in taking risks and leaving no one behind.
What is your job title?
Communications Director.
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Risk-taker.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Everyday must start with tea. Everyone in the office knows not to ask me anything until there is a cup of tea. Then it's checking our press clippings on the Foundation and into meetings and calls – with a design agency creating our marketing materials, a celebrity publicist preparing for our event, a grantee of ours whose story we want to promote, running a campaign idea past Instagram, proofreading our newsletter or social media content, or brainstorming ideas of how to highlight the Foundation's work publicly.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Save us and future generations from climate change.
Photo credit: Carol Allen-Storey
Jake Rashbass
Why do you work at Elton John AIDS Foundation?
To make a difference to people being left behind in one of the few parts of the world where the HIV epidemic is worsening.
What is your job title?
Program Lead, Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Spirited.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I spend a lot of time on the road, making sure the Foundation is maximizing its impact in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, supporting our incredible partners, and learning from the inspiring communities we work with.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
No more jetlag!
Photo credit: Carol Allen-Storey
Jennifer Warner
Why do you work at the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
To support clinicians and community groups who directly serve people living with HIV, and through those meaningful human interactions, build trust and improve lives.
What is your job title?
Social Impact Bond Project Manager
Describe the Elton John AIDS Foundation in one word
Committed.
What does a typical day look like for you?
In the morning, I might troubleshoot service delivery issues with a SIB provider or explore ways to expand SIB services. By afternoon, I would hop on a videoconference with SIB investors and NHS leadership to discuss project performance and risks. I might wrap up my day by calling a colleague in the USA to discuss ways we can translate SIB lessons learned to other geographies.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Telepathy for emotions.
Founder & Honorary Lifetime President
Sir Elton John
Sir Elton John is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 26 gold, 38 platinum or multi-platinum and 1 diamond albums over 50 Top 40 hits, and he has sold more than 300 million records worldwide. He holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time, “Candle in the Wind 1997”, which sold over 33 million copies. After more than 50 years on the road, Elton announced the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour encompassing 5 continents, and over 350 dates to end in 2021. To date, Elton has delivered more than 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries since launching his first tour in 1970. Last year, a fantasy musical motion picture of Elton’s life, 'Rocketman' was released with high acclaim and his first and only autobiography ‘Me’ was published and instantly a New York Times bestseller. Among the many awards and honours bestowed upon him are six GRAMMYs, including a GRAMMY Legend award, a Tony and two Oscars, a Best British Male Artist BRIT Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, 13 Ivor Novello Awards between 1973 and 2001.
Elton has been acknowledged for his philanthropic and music contributions with a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II and most recently, Elton received the Legion d’Honneur from President Macron, the Companion of Honour in the UK, won a Golden Globe and an Oscar for the Best Original Song in ‘Rocketman’. In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation after losing many friends and loved ones to the AIDS epidemic. Today, after years of fundraising, advocacy, and funding innovative grants, the Foundation is the 6th largest independent AIDS funder globally. Crucially, Elton and the Foundation are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent people, mainly gay men, people who inject drugs, transgender women and adolescents from accessing the life-saving treatment and prevention available around the world and to fight the AIDS epidemic with love and kindness so people feel accepted, involved and loved. Elton has travelled from South Africa, Ukraine, Armenia, across the US and to many other countries as well as speaking at many International AIDS conferences to use his platform and influence to push, persuade and demand change and care for people at risk or living with HIV and is committed to not leave anyone behind in the AIDS epidemic.
Photo credit: Greg Gorman
Billie Jean King
Named one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” by Life magazine and a 2009 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Billie Jean King is the founder of the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative and a co-founder of World Team Tennis.
A friend of Sir Elton’s for over 40 years, in 2014 Billie Jean and her partner Ilana Kloss brought the hugely successful Smash Hits tennis event to London’s Albert Hall to raise awareness and over £700,00 for the Foundation’s work in Africa.
Billie Jean has long been a pioneer for equality and social justice. In 2014, in partnership with Teneo, she launched the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative to address inclusion and diversity issues in the workplace. She founded the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association.
Billie Jean also serves on the boards of the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Andy Roddick Foundation.
The Board
David Furnish
As CEO of Rocket Entertainment and chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, David Furnish is an entrepreneur with a global and strategic outlook occupying a unique intersection of philanthropy, film, music and theatre. As Elton’s manager, David is the architect and leader for the recent extraordinary success of the Farewell Yellow Brick Road worldwide tour, as producer of ‘Rocketman’ the fantasy musical motion picture of Elton John’s life which won a Golden Globe for Best Actor and Best Original Song, an Oscar for Best Original Song and received four British Academy Film Award nominations, Elton’s autobiography ‘Me’ and executive producer of the widely acclaimed theatrical show of Billy Elliot: The Musical.
A tireless campaigner, Mr Furnish is a leading voice in the worldwide fight against HIV and AIDS. He has led the Elton John AIDS Foundation for over 20 years and travels across the globe to meet people at risk and living with HIV first-hand and community groups, doctors and activists to raise the attention of epidemic and builds partnerships with major companies to fund innovative programming and involve the mass public in support of the Foundation . He has spearheaded numerous fundraisers for the Foundation including the memorable White Tie & Tiara, the Academy Awards Viewing Party, Midsummer Party and took on the physical challenge of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise funds and awareness as he reached the summit on World AIDS Day. David has met with global political figures to influence policy shifts and global financing for the AIDS epidemic by sharing the personal stories and challenges that he witnesses on his global travels with the Foundation. David recently led the strategic amalgamation of two separate Foundations into one global powerhouse for more impact to end the AIDS epidemic. To date, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is the 6th largest independent AIDS funders globally and has saved the lives of over 5 million of the most marginalised groups infected with HIV and raised awareness of HIV amongst more than 100 million people.
Photo credit: Greg Gorman
Ajaz Ahmed
Ajaz founded the design agency AKQA aged 21. Today AKQA employs around 2,000 people across 28 studios worldwide. A recognised creative pioneer and innovator, AKQA has won over 50 Agency of the Year titles and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Innovation. Ajaz is also the author of three books: Velocity, Limitless and Defeat. All book proceeds are donated to five charities: Brainwave, Feed the Children, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Doctors without Borders, Pencils of Promise. In June 2018 Ajaz was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for Services to Media. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bath in December 2018. Ajaz’s essays, publications and thoughts are available here: http://www.akqa.com/ajaz/
Why are you a Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
“For the first time in history we have enough cumulative knowledge, technology and sense of collaboration to solve the world’s conflicts and challenges together. An AIDS free future is one of those challenges.”
Johnny Bergius
Based in London, Johnny has a residential property search business acting for clients both in the UK and overseas. Johnny has been a trustee of the Elton John AIDS Foundation for many years and is mostly involved in supporting the fundraising and grants teams.
Why are you a Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
I am a trustee because I want to support the extraordinary team who run the Elton John AIDS Foundation with such consummate skill.
I am honoured to collaborate with such a successful effective and smart team. I thrive on the circular relationship I have in my roles informing and developing relationships with our donors, thus being able to convey our gratitude and respect for their support.
Working with the grants team helps me understand where our donors money is spent and also lets me witness the incalculable impact that the Foundation has in a multitude of different ways for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Tracy Blackwell
Tracy is CEO and a Director of both Pension Insurance Corporation (“PIC”) and PIC’s parent company PIC Group, responsible for overall leadership and implementation of the company’s strategy. Before becoming CEO in 2015, Tracy was PIC’s Chief Investment Officer, responsible for managing the portfolio, including investments in areas like social housing and the UK’s universities. Areas of particular interest include: “The Purpose of Finance”, a project seeking to redefine the social contract with financial services, and diversity in financial services. Prior to joining PIC, Tracy spent 10 years at Goldman Sachs, including as Head of Risk Management, EMEA at GSAM. Tracy is a member of Wellcome Trust’s Investment Committee, and Trustee and Honourable Treasurer of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Why are you a Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
I have always been passionate about diversity and equality in financial services. Serving as Trustee and Honourable Treasurer allows me to use the knowledge and experience of financial markets I have gained in my career in the City to help the Elton John AIDS Foundation fund its vital work combating AIDS.
Mark Dybul
The Honorable Mark Dybul, MD, is the Co-Director of the Center for Global Health Practice and Impact and Professor in the Department of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center.
Mark has worked on HIV and public health for more than 25 years as a clinician, scientist, teacher, and administrator, most recently as the Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
After graduating from Georgetown Medical School in Washington D.C., Mark joined the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as a research fellow under director Dr. Anthony Fauci, where he conducted basic and clinical studies on HIV virology, immunology and treatment optimization, including the first randomized, controlled trial with combination antiretroviral therapy in Africa.
Mark was one of the founding architects in the formation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, better known as PEPFAR. After serving as Chief Medical officer, Assistant, Deputy and Acting Director, he was appointed as its leader in 2006, becoming U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, with the rank of Ambassador at the level of an Assistant Secretary of State. He served until early 2009.
Mark has written extensively in scientific and policy literature, he is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has received several Honorary Degrees and awards, including a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, from Georgetown University.
Eric Goosby
Eric Goosby is an American public health official, currently serving as the UN Special Envoy on Tuberculosis.
He has over 35 years’ experience working in the field of HIV/AIDS. Goosby treated patients at San Francisco General Hospital when HIV/AIDS first began to emerge and take its toll in the early 1980s. In 1986, he served as the AIDS activity division attending physician, and in 1987 was appointed associate medical director of San Francisco General Hospital's AIDS Clinic. During his time at San Francisco General, he helped develop effective models for HIV/AIDS clinical care for intravenous drug users, establishing three medical facilities located in methadone treatment centers.
Goosby previously served as the United States Global AIDS Coordinator where he directed the U.S. strategy for addressing HIV around the world and led President Obama's implementation of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Goosby left PEPFAR to take a position as a professor at UCSF, where he directs the Center for Global Health Delivery and Diplomacy, a collaboration between UCSF and the University of California, Berkeley.
Goosby has served on the board of directors of the Clinton Foundation since 2013 and is a current trustee for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Emma Kane
Emma Kane joined our Foundation’s Board in July 2020. Emma is an entrepreneur and highly experienced charity trustee. She specialises in creating positive change through communications. She has 30 years’ experience in the communications industry. Today she is Chief Executive of Newgate Communications, part of the international communications group, SEC Newgate on whose board she also sits. Her clients include business leaders, household brands and international organisations. She is Chair of the UK’s largest ovarian cancer charity, Target Ovarian Cancer, and of Europe’s largest multi arts centre, the Barbican Centre Trust; she is also a trustee of residential care home, Nightingale Hammerson.
Outside her business and philanthropic interests, Emma is an avid sculptor and passionate about jazz and opera; she started out life as a tenor saxophonist. She was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2017.
Why are you a Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
The Elton John Aids Foundation has had the most incredible impact on the communities it is there to support through its advocacy, research and breaking down the myths. It is incredibly exciting to be part of a charity that has the strategic vision and ability to make the world free from AIDS for everyone by the end of the current decade.
My focus in life is about doing things where I can create positive change. I believe I can do so with this charity by bringing my communications’ skills and fundraising expertise to help end the AIDS epidemic. I am honoured to be part of the team.
Ilana Kloss
Ilana Kloss is the president of Billie Jean King Enterprises and co-founder of the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, where she oversees corporate partnerships, strategic programs, and philanthropic efforts that support Billie Jean King’s legacy. From 2001-2018, Ilana was the CEO and Commissioner of World TeamTennis, managing both the professional sports league and nationwide grassroots recreational programs. A former world No. 1 doubles player and US Open doubles champion, Ilana is actively involved in the Women’s Sports Foundation as a member of the executive board and past WSF board chair. A member of both the National and International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, she was named Sports Businesswoman of the Year by the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center. Ilana is a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Sparks and serves on the executive boards of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Tennis Industry Association.
Why are you a Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
Billie Jean and I were at the table when Elton started the Foundation in the earlier 1990s and in year one we partnered with the Foundation on the Smash Hits tennis event. For me personally, coming from South Africa and seeing firsthand the devastation that AIDS had on the country, the work being done by EJAF was a shared cause that resonated with my roots and who I was.
Evgeny Lebedev
Evgeny Lebedev is the proprietor of The Evening Standard and Independent. He is a committed philanthropist and campaigner, and has spearheaded fundraising campaigns across his papers for many years, raising money for causes as wide ranging as homeless veterans to the African elephant. In 2018 his publications launched the AIDSfree Appeal to support the work of the Elton John AIDS foundation, raising over £3.2 million. Evgeny is also a committed conservationist and patron of Space for Giants, an international conservation organisation that protects elephants and their landscapes. Outside of his business and philanthropic interests, Evgeny is a distinguished writer, commentator, and patron of the arts.
Why are you a Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
Every death from AIDS is a preventable tragedy. I am proud to be Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and support its vital work around the world. We have made great steps in fighting the AIDS epidemic but the fight must go on to end discrimination, improve treatment and eliminate the disease.
Sandra Lee
Sandra Lee is a multi-Emmy® and a Gracie Award Winner as well as an internationally acclaimed home life expert, activist and philanthropist. She is a New York Times and Amazon Best Selling author of 27 books and has created/hosted numerous television programs broadcast in 63 countries worldwide.
Sandra was recently appointed to the board of directors of the World Food Program USA, their sole mission is to support the world’s largest humanitarian organization, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). Sandra has worked on many causes close to her heart and been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Eleanor Roosevelt Medal of Honor, the Albert Einstein Award of Excellence and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Sandra was one of three founding Board Members of UNICEF®’s Los Angeles chapter and has been given UNICEF’s unique and Special Appointment of Nutrition Emissary. Sandra also served as the National Spokesperson for the No Kid Hungry campaign for nearly a decade.
Why are you a Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
For the last decade I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the Elton John AIDS Foundation family. I have served for many years as a co-chair of both our Los Angeles and the New York events as well as being the recipient of the amazing Enduring Vision Award.
I have heard and seen firsthand what a difference the Foundation makes and I have been honoured to support that in any and every way I can. What’s most important about the Foundation's mission is that lives are saved because of the thoughtful strategic leadership that the Elton John AIDS Foundation embodies. The Team strives every day for a better tomorrow and has their finger on the pulse of everything HIV/AIDS related.
The Foundation will be a force in finding a Cure for HIV and AIDS—-I’m grateful and humble to be a part of the solution.
Tom Moore
Thomas E. Moore IIIis a Senior Managing Director and Wealth Manager with First Republic Investment Management.
From 2009 through 2013, Mr. Moore was a director at Barclays Wealth and from 1998 through 2009, he was a Principal and Financial Advisor with Bernstein Global Wealth Management. At Bernstein, he advised sophisticated client relationships in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia.
From 1988 to 1998, Mr. Moore was with the New York Stock Exchange where as a Managing Director of the NYSE he was responsible for US new business development and strategies, managing US Listed company relationships and was a member of the Eligibility Review Committee charged with reviewing the qualifications of companies and approving their listing on the NYSE. In the 7 years prior to his NYSE experience, 1981 to 1988, he was a credit and lending officer with several New York based money center banks, including The Bank of New York and Citibank, completing Citibank's extensive Credit Training Program in 1982.
Mr. Moore holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Stanford University, graduating 1981. Mr. Moore is very active in numerous educational, cultural and charitable organizations. He currently serves as an Advisory Board member of the Stanford University Center on Longevity, and as an Executive Board member of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Richard Reger
Richard is Head of Governance and Company Secretary at Regent’s University London. A graduate of Cambridge University, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute. He has 20 years experience as a company secretary, mainly for large non-profits, including Guide Dogs for the Blind and some of London’s largest housing associations.
Why are you a Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
Being part of the Elton John AIDS Foundation is brilliant! It’s an organization that has ambitious goals and a professional approach, but is driven by love and compassion.
Barron Segar
Barron Segar is the President and CEO of the World Food Program USA. Barron has over 20 years of experience growing philanthropic and cause marketing platforms. Prior to WFP USA, Barron served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at UNICEF USA where his responsibilities included serving as an Executive Management Team member with organization-wide responsibility and decision-making authority for strategy, budget, critical operational priorities, and leading the Development Division teams’ strategic direction for $500 million in annual revenue.
Prior to UNICEF USA, Barron served as the Director of Development for Georgia Public Broadcasting, where he and his team were nationally recognized for record breaking fundraising performance. Barron also has experience in the private sector working in financial services. Along with a distinguished career, Barron has held positions on multiple boards, he is a founding and current Board Member at the Elton John AIDS Foundation and he received a bachelor’s degree in history at Hampden-Sydney College.
Why are you a Board Member for the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
As a board member for EJAF USA, I am personally so proud to serve an organization that is incredibly impactful and committed to those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. We are highly efficient, programmatically focused, and committed to end the human suffering caused by HIV/AIDS around the world.
Our Patrons
Our wonderful Patrons help us to engage new partners, promote our Foundation and fundraise for our life-saving work to end the AIDS epidemic. Meet all of our wonderful Patrons.
Lord Alli
Waheed Alli is Chief Executive of Silvergate Media – a media company that specialises in children’s television, and Chairman of Koovs.com, an online fashion retailer in India. He is also a director of Olga Productions and Paul O’Grady’s agent.
In the 1990s, Waheed was Managing Director of one of the largest independent production companies in the UK responsible for innovative programming such as The Big Breakfast, Don’t Forget Your Tooth Brush and TFI Friday. He was also the owner, along with Charlie Parsons and Bob Geldof, of long-running TV reality show Survivor.
Waheed was also the founding Chairman of ASOS, the UK’s largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer. Under his stewardship, the company grew from £4m to £2bn. He is President of the National Youth Theatre and was appointed a working Labour peer in July 1998.
Waheed has been a long-term supporter of the Foundation. In his capacity as a patron he has advised and helped the foundation engage on policy critical issues such as Global LGBT Legislation and discrimination and most recently hosted a dinner at the House of Lords.
David Beckham
One of the World’s most recognised personalities, David Beckham, OBE is one of England’s most successful footballers. Beckham’s football career boasts 20 years with some of the most successful clubs in the world: Manchester United, Real Madrid, A C Milan, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint- Germain and the England National team which he captained for six years.
After retiring from playing, Beckham has established himself as a successful entrepreneur, working strategically and creatively with many of the world’s leading brands including adidas, AIA Vitality, Diageo, H&M, L’Oreal, Tudor & Marina Bay Sands and Safilo.
David Beckham has played a crucial role, as Goodwill Ambassador, in helping the UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, promote and protect the rights of the world’s most vulnerable children. David launched the ground-breaking initiative 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund to protect millions of children around the world from danger. Over the 13 years David has worked with UNICEF he has used his voice and influence to raise awareness and affect change.
David’s humanitarian work remain a focus for him and in 2019 David Beckham lent his voice to Malaria No More. The campaign won the ‘Outstanding use of AI for social good’ award at Cog X.
Louise Fennell
Louise Fennell first worked for the Boho clothes designer Thea Porter in the l970’s, was a photographer’s agent in the ’80s and then ran her own fashion business in the ’90s and ’00s. She is also a novelist and screenwriter, living and working in London.
Louise has played a central role in Out of the Closets in 2000, 2002 and 2009 for the Foundation.
Along with her husband, Theo Fennel, Louise has been a patron of the Foundation since its inception. She helped manage and staff one of the first ever pop-up shops in the UK, selling items donated from Sir Elton’s wardrobe. The Shop, which ran for three weeks, raised over £300k for the Foundation.
Theo Fennell
Theo was born in Egypt and then educated at Eton and Art School. He started his eponymous jewellery company 40 years ago and still designs his extraordinary pieces in his studio and workshop in London’s Fulham Road.
He has won various awards and was given an Honorary Fellowship by the University of the Arts London in 2015.
Theo designed an exquisite, unique bar as part of the Foundation’s fundraising collaboration with Grey Goose in 2008 which raised £12k for the charity. Theo has been a patron of the Foundation since its inception
Elizabeth Hurley
Elizabeth is an actress and film producer, currently starring in Lionsgate/E! Series The Royals, in the title role of Queen Helena. She has made more than two dozen movies; including Bedazzled with Brendan Fraser and The Weight of Water with Sean Penn. She also produced several movies with Hugh Grant for Simian Films, their jointly-owned production company.
In April 2005, Elizabeth launched her swimwear brand Elizabeth Hurley Beach, now available in stores including Harrods and Saks Fifth Avenue. Elizabeth is in her twenty-first year of representing Estée Lauder as a spokes model. She toured the US and other parts of the world with the late Evelyn Lauder, raising funds and awareness for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She was honoured in 2009 with the Humanitarian Award for her fundraising efforts.
Elizabeth is a long-time patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and has attended and supported virtually every major fundraising event in our 22-year history.
Ruth Kennedy
Ruth Kennedy founded Kennedy Dundas in 2009, a brand and business consultancy advising clients in the luxury goods and services sectors to meet their business development objectives. Between 2006 and 2009, she served as head of Quinlan Private UK, a real estate and private equity group managing commercial and residential properties in Europe including luxury hotels. Before that position, Ruth was 16 years with David Linley and Co., the bespoke furniture and design business.
In 2009 Ruth founded the Louis Dundas Centre for Children’s Palliative Care at Great Ormond Street Hospital and the UCL Institute of Child Health. As a Patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, she has served on the Fundraising Committee for eight years as well as providing advisory services at various points in the Foundation’s development.
Elizabeth Saltzman
Elizabeth’s career began at Giorgio Armani in 1984, which propelled her to an incredible eight-year run as a senior fashion editor for US Vogue. She went on to join the team at Vanity Fair as fashion editor, and was soon promoted to fashion director. Today, she is based in London and serves as contributing editor.
Elizabeth has produced countless events for charitable organisations and fashion brands, namely UNICEF, Tory Burch, Valentino, Prabal Gurung, Joseph Altuzarra, Michael Kors and Dee & Tommy Hilfiger. Though she is deeply rooted in the industry, Elizabeth’s expertise goes far beyond fashion. She works closely with trend-setting hotelier Andre Balazs, impeccably curating a successful opening for a number of restaurants from The Ivy to The Arts Club. Her presence traverses a diverse spectrum of popular culture, from design to art to cuisine.
Elizabeth became a patron of the Foundation in 2015. In the same year, she helped organise a private fundraising event benefiting over 30,000 pregnant women living with HIV.
Sting
Composer, singer, actor, author, and activist – Sting moved to London in 1977 to form The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.
The band released five studio albums, earned six Grammy Awards and two Brits, and was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Since 1989, Sting has released fourteen solo albums and received various accolades including an additional 10 Grammy Awards, two Brits, a Golden Globe, an Emmy and three Oscar nominations. Throughout his career, he has sold close to 100 million albums from his combined work with The Police and as a solo artist.
He has appeared in more than 15 films and authored two books, including The New York Times best-selling memoir, Broken Music. Along with his wife Trudie Styler, Sting founded the Rainforest Fund in 1989 to protect both the world’s rainforests and the indigenous people living there.
Sting and Trudie have been patrons of the Elton John AIDS Foundation since its inception, supporting multiple fundraising events.
Trudie Styler
Trudie Styler is an actress, film producer, director, human rights activist, environmentalist, organic farmer and UNICEF Ambassador. She has been a patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation from its early days.
In 1989, Trudie and her husband Sting started the Rainforest Fund, an organization devoted to protecting rainforests and their indigenous peoples in South America, Africa and Asia, raising more than $30 million for the cause. Trudie has produced award-winning documentaries and feature films through her company Xingu Films and is now a partner in New York-based production company Maven Pictures. She has numerous stage and film credits herself in both the US and UK, including roles for the RSC.
Trudie has also made seven hugely popular mind-body fitness DVDs. She is also a producer of highly acclaimed Italian wines under the Il Palagio label. Together with her partner Sting, she has supported numerous fundraising events for the Foundation and helped establish a unique facility at Chelsea & Westminster hospital in London that allows men living with HIV to have HIV-free children with their partners.
Donatella Versace
Donatella is one of the owners of Gianni Versace SpA, holding the dual position of Artistic Director and Vice President of the board. She is responsible for the overall vision, from its catwalk collections and image, to its global growth and future in the digital world.
Donatella is celebrated for her particular interest in the next generation of talent, whether it’s the bands that perform at Versus Versace events or the young designers with whom she collaborates.
It is her deep respect for the traditions and heritage of her family brand, combined with her passion for the future that is a constant theme of her work. As a friend of Elton’s for over 20 years, along with her late brother, Gianni Versace, Donatella has consistently supported the Elton John AIDS Foundation. In 2016, she is collaborating on a special project to raise funds for our work.
David Walliams
David Walliams is one of Britain’s most popular writers and comic actors. Little Britain, which he co-created with Matt Lucas, has won numerous international awards including three BAFTAs, and now plays in over 100 countries.
David is also an accomplished stage actor, receiving the ‘Comedy Award’ at the ‘Evening Standard Theatre Awards’ for his performance as Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As a children’s author, David has sold over 10 million books around the world. He has won both the ‘Children’s Book of the Year’ and ‘Audiobook of the Year’ at the National Book Awards.
David is proud to be a trustee of Comic Relief, a charity for which he has personally raised over £7m. He joined the Elton John AIDS Foundation as a patron in 2014. Since then, he has supported multiple fundraising projects and visited the Foundation’s work with very vulnerable, homeless teenagers and young women living with HIV/AIDS in Ukraine.