The 'Friends of the Children's University' was officially formed as a group in 2014. The group consists of a number of highly influential individuals from the worlds of business and social entrepreneurship - who have a great affection for the work of the Children's University. Their main role is to assist the Group Chief Executive and the Chair in the development and implementation of the CU Trust's current and future plans through advice and brokerage.
Jackie Cooper is the Global Chair, Creative Strategy, and a member of Edelman's Executive Committee - Edelman is the largest Public Relations firm, with 67 offices worldwide as well as affiliates in more than 30 cities. Jackie Cooper is a PR 'veteran' with over 30 years' experience, predominately in brand marketing, creative conception and personality strategy.
Sue Langley's career encompasses the retail, consulting and financial services sectors. She is currently the CEO of UK Financial Services Organisation at the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). Sue is also a Non-Executive Director for UKAR (Northern Rock Asset Management and Bradford and Bingley) and Chairman of the Remuneration Committees. Previously she was Director of Market Development and a member of the Executive Team for Lloyd's of London, a Director of Lloyd's Asia and Chairman of Lloyd's Japan.
Charles Martin is the Senior Partner of Macfarlanes Solicitors having joined the firm in 1983. Charles works principally in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and private equity, acting for sponsors and corporates. Much of his work is cross-border in nature. He is rated in the top tiers of the most highly recommended M&A and private equity lawyers in the UK by the leading directories including Chambers.
Michael Norton is the Honorary Director and a Trustee of CIVA. His early career was in merchant banking (Samuel Montagu), where he invented the split capital investment trust and in publishing, where he helped establish the book club and mail order publishing division of BPC Publishing (part of the British Printing Corporation) which he became Managing Director of in 1970.
Michael Sofaer is Founder and Principal of Sofaer Capital Inc., a manager of several hedge funds and numerous private investments. He serves on a number of company boards internationally and is an active investor in private and public companies. Michael also has significant philanthropic interests focusing on education.
