Michael P Aiken, Chairman following commissioned army infantry service in his early twenties he entered the business world; achieving senior appointments in both the leisure and shipping industries.  Latterly, he became Principal Shareholder and Chief Executive of Wightlink Shipping Ltd but has now retired.  Michael is Chairman of The Mary Rose Trust, The Aiken Foundation and Tall Ships Ltd, a Board Member of Tall Ships (Youth) Trust and The Historic Dockyard Trust in Portsmouth, and a Council Member of The Prince's Trust in the South East.  He has been a Trustee of The Leadership Trust since 1985.  Michael is a keen and experienced yachtsman. 

Simon Bentley, Deputy Chairman started his early career as a chartered accountant with BDO Stoy Hayward.  He is Deputy Chairman of Mishcon de Reya Solicitors and chairs a number of other prominent companies including Sports Direct, Brasher Leisure, Umberto Giannini, Global Brands and Cash on the Move.  Simon is also Deputy Chairman of Kisharon and a Trustee of JABE (Jewish Association for Business Ethics).  He has been a Trustee of The Leadership Trust since 1993.  Simon is a keen skier, triathlon competitor and collector of modern British art.

William Colacicchi is an experienced trust and charity lawyer, and Senior Partner of Browne Jacobson LLP Solicitors.  He is also Trustee of a number of charities including Baron Davenport's Charity and Nottingham University Hospitals Charity, of which he is Chairman.  He has been a Trustee of The Leadership Trust since 1997.  William is a keen walker and photographer.

Tim Cross CBE (Major General (Retired)) had a distinguished military career, commanding at every level on various operational deployments around the world.  He holds a number of advisory positions and trusteeships, including working with the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, two International Aid Agencies and three Universities.  He has been a Trustee of The Leadership Trust since 2004.  Tim enjoys reading, writing and lecturing, and the occasional game of golf.

Our Chief Executive

Paul K Winter began his career in teaching with Headships at schools in England and Scotland.  Paul has been associated with The Leadership Trust since 1982 and, after running his own management consultancy for some years, became Chief Executive in 1994.  He holds a number of chairs including Hereford & Worcester Connexions and The Teaching Awards Trust Ltd.  Paul enjoys fishing on the rivers of Devon.