Parkinson’s UK has appointed six senior advisors through ConnEx, our pro bono programme connecting technology and transformation leaders with UK charities. The group brings C-suite experience across data, technology, and operations, and will support the charity’s leadership team as it prepares to launch a new strategy next year.
What ConnEx exists to do
UK charities face many of the same technology, data and transformation challenges as commercial organisations, but rarely have the budget to access the senior expertise needed to meet them. ConnEx exists to close that gap, connecting C-suite executives with charity partners in an advisory capacity, completely free of charge. Parkinson’s UK was one of the charities that participated in ConnEx’s launch event in February 2026, when we brought together 400 C-suite leaders at the Natural History Museum to connect them with UK charities in need of this kind of support.
About Parkinson’s UK
Parkinson’s UK supports people living with Parkinson’s, along with their families and carers, while funding research into better treatments and a cure and campaigning for better care and services. Its mission is to drive progress towards a future without Parkinson’s, while ensuring everyone affected today has access to the information, care and support they need.
How the advisors will support Parkinson’s UK
Parkinson’s is a complex and evolving condition, and making progress depends increasingly on how well research, clinical and patient data can be brought together and put to use. For Parkinson’s UK, that makes data and technology central to the strategy it will launch next year, from improving early diagnosis and treatment pathways to reaching more people with the right support.
The six advisors selected bring senior expertise in data, technology and operations, together with direct experience of life sciences and Parkinson’s research, giving Parkinson’s UK access to a calibre of counsel that would ordinarily sit well beyond a charity’s budget, at no cost to the charity.
Perry Philipp, CDO, Entain
Perry brings a data-led, strategic lens and experience in life sciences to his role as Data Advisor.
“I’m excited to support Parkinson’s UK at a time when their mission matters more than ever. By combining life sciences experience with a data-led, strategic lens, I hope to help accelerate progress and unlock greater impact for the patient community. I’m proud to play a small part in this important work.”
Stephen O’Donnell, CEO, Fort Nevis Digital
As Technology Advisor, Stephen brings a direct connection to Parkinson’s research through his role as a Board Advisor at Keltic Pharma, which is focused on advancing a potential Parkinson’s treatment into clinical trials.
“This appointment holds deep personal and professional significance for me, as it bridges two vital fronts in the fight against the world’s fastest-growing neurological condition. Through my ongoing role as a Board Advisor at Keltic Pharma, where we are entirely focused on the urgent mission of advancing a potential Parkinson’s cure into clinical trials, I have seen firsthand the immense dedication required on the therapeutic front. Joining Parkinson’s UK as a Technology Advisor allows me to complement that scientific mission by supporting patient advocacy, strategic development, and community care, creating a meaningful, full-circle commitment to a cause that matters immensely to me.”
David Hayes, CDO, The Open University
David brings his experience leading data at The Open University to his role as Data Advisor, with a focus on how Parkinson’s UK canmake more effective use of its data.
“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to bring some of my experience to Parkinson’s UK. Hearing Caroline speak at La Fosse’s ConnEx event, I was struck by the impact the charity is already having on the lives of people with Parkinson’s, and by the potential to do even more through more effective use of their data. I’m looking forward to getting to know the teams, understanding the opportunities and challenges they’re working with, and helping them reach more people across the UK.”
David Gallihawk, CTO (Product), Experian Business Information
In his role as Technology Advisor, David draws on his experience leading product and innovation in data-driven organisations to help Parkinson’s UK connect insight to action.
“I’m proud to have been selected as an advisor to Parkinson’s UK. It’s an organisation doing incredible work for people living with Parkinson’s, and I’m excited to contribute to such an important mission. Parkinson’s presents complex and evolving challenges, from improving early diagnosis and treatment pathways to ensuring better daily support and quality of life for those affected. The scale of the opportunity to make a difference, both now and in the future, is what really motivates me. Through my experience, particularly in leading product and innovation in data-driven organisations, I hope to bring a perspective that helps connect insight to action and support the next phase of impact. Ultimately, what excites me most is the chance to work alongside such a committed community to drive real, tangible impact for people affected by Parkinson’s.”
Ken Towning, CTO, WHSmith
Ken‘s role as Technology Advisor draws on a career leading technology strategy in complex, customer-facing organisations.
“Having spent much of my career leading technology strategy in complex, customer-facing organisations, I wanted to put that experience to work somewhere it could make a genuinely different kind of impact. Parkinson’s UK is doing important work, and I’m looking forward to supporting the team as they think through how technology can help them deliver more for the people who rely on them.”
Matt Callaghan, COO, easyJet holidays
As an Operational Advisor, Matt brings experience of strategy, transformation and leading through complex organisational challenges.
“I’m delighted to be supporting Parkinson’s UK as a ConnEx Advisor. The charity’s mission has a very personal significance for me, which makes the opportunity to contribute particularly meaningful. I hope to bring my experience of strategy, transformation and leading through complex organisational challenges to help Parkinson’s UK think through some of the opportunities and choices ahead. I’m looking forward to working with the team, learning from them and, ultimately, playing a small part in helping the organisation deliver even greater impact for people affected by Parkinson’s.”
Caroline Rassell, CEO, Parkinson’s UK
For Parkinson’s UK, the advisory group arrives as the charity prepares for the next phase of its work.
“We at Parkinson’s UK were thrilled with the response we received from the ConnEx event, which left us with some difficult choices about who to take forward. What emerged was a strong group of data and AI experts who we hope will help us on our mission to Stop Parkinson’s. We’re convinced that global data alignment will be a key ingredient in our success. We know our panel of experts will play a key support role as we launch our new strategy next year.”
What comes next
Parkinson’s UK follows MHA and Action for Children as the latest ConnEx charity partner to appoint its advisors, and further matches are progressing across the programme. As each partnership reaches this stage, we will share the same introduction: the advisors involved, the expertise they bring and the difference we expect it to make.
Contact us to find out more about ConnEx, or to register interest in advising a charity partner.
Sponsorship opportunities for ConnEx in 2027 are now open. Contact us to find out more.