Mothers’ Union appoints Alison Marshall as new Chief Executive

Mothers’ Union has appointed Alison Marshall as its new Chief Executive, bringing more than 30 years’ experience in international development, advocacy, campaigning and charity leadership to the worldwide Christian movement.

Alison is currently Chief Executive of Age International, where she leads work advocating for the rights and needs of older people in low- and middle-income countries, alongside fundraising, humanitarian response and international partnerships. She has previously held senior leadership roles with Sense International, UNICEF UK, Bond and CAFOD. 

Throughout her career, Alison has championed the rights and dignity of women, children, people with disabilities and older people. She has represented organisations at the United Nations and with governments internationally, built partnerships across global networks and led campaigns on issues including poverty, gender justice and access to healthcare. 

She brings substantial experience of charity governance, strategy, fundraising and organisational leadership, having served as a trustee of organisations including the Disasters Emergency Committee and the Fairtrade Foundation. 

Alison joins Mothers’ Union as it looks beyond its 150th anniversary and enters an important new chapter. With a strong focus on advocacy, Mothers’ Union will build on its long tradition of standing alongside women, children and families through faith and action, while exploring new ways to respond to the challenges facing communities around the world today. Alison said: 

‘I am delighted to be joining Mothers’ Union at such an important moment in its history. Mothers’ Union has an illustrious history and the 150th anniversary is a wonderful milestone and an important springboard for the next chapter.  

‘I am particularly excited by the opportunity to build on Mothers’ Union’s long history of advocacy, listening to the experiences of the women, families and communities we work alongside and working with members across the worldwide movement to use our collective voice to challenge injustice.’ 

Mothers’ Union Worldwide President Kathleen Snow welcomed Alison’s appointment: 

‘We are delighted to welcome Alison to Mothers’ Union. She brings exceptional experience in advocacy, international development and charity leadership, alongside a deep understanding of how powerful networks can bring about change. 

‘After 150 years as a Christian women-led movement, we have an opportunity to be brave about our future. We want to build on all that is strong about Mothers’ Union while asking fresh questions about what it means to be a member today, how we reach new people and how we can use our collective voice more powerfully to champion the communities we serve. Alison will be an important part of that journey.’ 

Alison will commence her role in December 2026.