Commercial Director Mike Taylor to retire

Our Commercial Director Mike Taylor has announced he will step down from his role at the end of the year. The retail leader will retire from the charity at the end of December after 13 years in the role. Under his leadership, our retail arm has undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding its reach and impact across the UK to 680 shops and stores. 

His vision and leadership saw our thriving online operation, grow annual sales from approximately £100,000 to over £14 million, and positioned the BHF as the world’s largest charity eBay retailer. 

Mike first began working for us on a voluntary basis as a member of our retail and audit committees for three years, before taking up the leadership role on our executive group.

'The highlight of my career'

Reflecting on his time here, Mike said: “I initially became involved in BHF volunteering because of the impact heart disease had on both my parents. It has undoubtedly been the highlight of my career to serve an organisation so deeply committed to saving and improving lives. I’ve been fortunate to work with many talented and passionate colleagues who make the BHF such a special place.” 

As a highly valued member of our executive team, Mike helped lead the charity through some of the most challenging periods in the charity’s history during the pandemic and successfully steered retail operations through the subsequent rebuild post-Covid.

'A truly brilliant colleague'

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, paid tribute to Mike’s commitment to the charity. “Mike has been a truly brilliant executive colleague whose retail expertise is only matched by his deeply personal commitment to saving and improving lives,” she said. 

“His exceptional drive, ambition and leadership have helped shape a sector-leading team that is relentlessly focused on driving income for our lifesaving science. Mike leaves behind a legacy of transformation, resilience and innovation, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has done for the BHF.” 

Our next Commercial Director

To ensure a smooth transition, the BHF is pleased to announce that Allison Swaine-Hughes, current Retail Director, will succeed Mike as Commercial Director from January 2026. Allison has worked closely with Mike for the past decade and brings extensive experience from senior roles at ASDA and Gap. 

Allison said: “Stepping into the role of Commercial Director for the BHF is a huge privilege, building on the remarkable legacy of Mike and the incredible work of our teams to date.

"I look forward to working alongside the Executive Group and our teams to save and improve lives on a scale more ambitious than ever before as set out in our new BHF strategy.”  

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