Sarah Matthews – Director of Marketing and Communications

Director

Sarah has over 30 years experience as a marketer, in roles spanning a diverse range of organisations across both not-for-profit and commercial sectors.

She was previously Marketing and Communications Director for Maggie’s, a cancer charity delivering practical and emotional support through its network across the UK.  While there, she established the organisation's initial marketing, communications, and digital strategy, focusing on brand-centric methods. Sarah introduced new marketing efforts to increase awareness and drive sustainable revenue growth.

Before this, she worked as a consultant for several years within the charity sector. Advising organisations such as JustGiving and RSPB on brand, marketing and communications strategies to drive growth.

Sarah has also worked in senior marketing roles at Selfridges, Marks and Spencer and Egg during periods of business change. She was founding CMO for Zopa where she created, launched and grew the brand from inception. It was the world’s first peer to peer lending start-up to credible alternative financial services player.

Sarah’s role at Battersea is to lead the marketing and communications team to maximize the value and deepen awareness of Battersea’s brand.

Paul Marvell - Director of Global Programmes

Director

Paul leads on the strategic direction and advancement of Battersea’s Global Programmes. He is responsible for ensuring that Battersea impacts positively on the lives of hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats across the UK and globally. He does this through leading the Academy and Grants & Programmes functions. Through its Global Programmes Battersea seeks to address some of the most pressing problems in dog and cat welfare, by providing training and funding to partner organisations globally.

Beginning his career in the retail sector at Homebase, Paul has worked in the charity sector for almost 30 years, holding senior roles at RNIB, the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, AMREF and British Red Cross. Paul joined Battersea in October 2017 and has previously held roles as Interim Fundraising Director and Interim Operations Director. He has been the Director of the Battersea Academy (now Global Programmes) since July 2018. He has held trustee roles at international children’s charity Childhope and the European Fundraising Association and is currently a Trustee for the International Companion Animal Management Coalition.

Paul is a lifelong animal lover and pet owner. In his spare time, he enjoys running, cycling, golfing, gardening and making music. He also loves spending time with his family, including three grandchildren and his rescue dog Logan.

Julian Holmes-Taylor – Director of Income Generation

Director

Julian joined Battersea as Interim Director of Fundraising in March 2020, having had over 20 years’ experience in professional fundraising working for five major UK Charities and Development Organisations. In September 2021, he was appointed Director of Income Generation. In this role, he oversees Battersea’s successful Individual Giving programme and its ambitious plans to generate income through its Philanthropy, Partnerships, and Commercial programmes.

Prior to joining Battersea Julian was Assistant Director of Income Generation at the RSPCA. He lead a team of 110 fundraisers to generate income in excess of £115million.

Julian has also worked at The British Red Cross in a variety of roles, including working directly with the Board of Directors and CEO. Whilst there Julian created some of the charities most successful Royal and celebrity events. Some of his events were hosted by Nelson Mandela, HRH The Prince of Wales and President Clinton. He has also worked in various fundraising and marketing roles at Leonard Cheshire, Capital Radio Charities and Scope.

Shaun Opperman – Director of Veterinary Services

Director

Shaun graduated from Bristol University in 1986 and spent five years in small animal practices both in the UK and Australia.

He started at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 1991 as a surgical locum and became a full time employee the following year.

As Veterinary Director, Shaun heads up a team of eight veterinary surgeons, 28 veterinary nurses and three animal welfare assistants, across all three sites, and is responsible for the health and welfare of the animals under the Home’s care.

Peter Laurie - Chief Executive

Chief Executive

Peter was appointed Chief Executive in April 2021. He joined Battersea as Director of Operations in February 2015 and became the organisation’s Deputy Chief Executive in March 2017.

Peter brings extensive sector experience to the role. Prior to joining Battersea, Peter was Chief Executive of the Retired Greyhound Trust, Britain's largest single-breed charity that finds homes for thousands of ex-racing greyhounds each year from a network of volunteer-led branches. He is a Non-executive Director of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, an advisory board to Defra and its ministers, a trustee of the Heather Love and Jonathan Vine-Hall Animal Welfare Foundation, and served as the Honorary Secretary of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes from 2013 – 2025. Peter was a founding Trustee of the Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation from 2018 – 2023, serving also as its Vice Chair, and was a Trustee of the Petplan Charitable Trust for eight years until 2022. Previously he held welfare, regulatory and business development roles in various not-for-profit and commercial organisations.

Peter has grown up with many pets and currently he and his family are proud owners of Battersea dog Wilson.

Matthew Stone

Trustee

Matthew is the Group Property Director at DS Smith, where has responsibility for all real estate, construction and facilities management activity across the c600 sites in 34 countries. He sits on their EMEA Capital Committee with responsibility for all property decisions, as well as being a Trustee Director of the DS Smith Group Pension Scheme.

He has 30+ years’ experience in property and has held senior positions at several FTSE 100 companies and equivalent sized organisations.

Matthew is a Chartered Surveyor and has a lifelong love of animals.

He lives on the South coast with his wife and three sons, their working cocker spaniel (Juno), cat (Sox) and several chickens. At weekends he is often out on his bicycle being challenged by the hills of the South Downs or walking Juno along another section of the South Downs Way.

Jo Edgley

Trustee

Jo Edgley is a Partner at Mishcon de Reya and Head of MDR ONE, the firm’s international employment and data privacy law business. In her day job she runs this business and advises global clients, helping them navigate complex cross-border employment issues with confidence. With over 20 years’ experience in law and commercial leadership, Jo is recognised for her strategic insight and practical, business-focused advice.

Beyond her legal career, Jo is passionate about animal welfare - a cause close to her heart since childhood. She has re-homed her dog, Gizmo, whose boundless energy and affection are a constant source of joy.

Lucy Shamdasani

Trustee

Lucy Shamdasani is Managing Director and EMEA Portfolio Chief Information Officer at The Carlyle Group, where she advises on technology strategy and digital transformation. Before joining Carlyle she was CIO for Engagement and Corporate Technology at The LEGO Group, leading digital and data innovation. She also spent 13 years at dunnhumby, where she was CIO, helping retailers and brands to use data to better serve customers.  

A lifelong animal lover and pet owner, Lucy has long admired Battersea’s dedication to transforming the lives of dogs and cats in need. Her family includes her much-loved spaniel, Digby.