SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) announced that Marianne Davies has been appointed as the charity’s interim chair of trustees.

A senior HR and change professional, Davies currently works as Global Head of People Services at GSK, where she has spent much of her executive career.

She has a strong interest in animal welfare and, having visited many of the countries where SPANA works, is "keen to contribute" to improving the lives of working animals and their communities.

She originally joined SPANA’s board in September 2021 and is also a member of SPANA’s People and Safeguarding Committee.
 
Davies said: “During my three years as a Trustee of SPANA, I have been inspired by the charity’s extraordinary support for working animals. I am excited and honoured to now be appointed Chair of Trustees at SPANA, during a time when the charity is significantly developing its work to meet the growing challenges it faces from issues such as rising global poverty, political instability, and climate change. 
 
“SPANA’s strategy for 2023-27 outlines an ambitious vision for the future of the charity and how we will radically extend our reach and impact during these turbulent times. A number of exciting new initiatives are currently in development at SPANA, which will be truly transformative for working animals and the communities they so loyally support. 
 
“I am keen to ensure the SPANA Board plays its role in ensuring the delivery of SPANA’s strategy, and supports the charity as it builds its position as a leading driver in working animal welfare.” 
 
Marianne Davies’ appointment follows the recent resignation of the former chair of trustees, Dr Mary-Lorraine Hughes. Hughes supported SPANA for 40 years, first as a donor, and more recently, in 2017 becoming a trustee and in 2021 SPANA’s chair.

---