Our leadership team

Tayo’s professional background spans leadership roles across the charity and commercial sectors, with more than 25 years’ experience helping organisations navigate change, strengthen performance and maximise their impact. Before becoming Interim Chief Executive Officer, Tayo served as Chief Finance and Operations Officer at Coeliac UK, where she led key corporate services functions and helped drive the charity’s organisational development and sustainability.Prior to joining Coeliac UK, Tayo held senior leadership roles at a number of national charities, including the Refugee Council, Redthread, Chance UK and Resurgo. She has extensive experience leading organisational growth and transformation, building high-performing teams and supporting organisations through periods of opportunity and challenge. As Interim Chief Executive Officer, Tayo is focused on advancing Coeliac UK’s mission, strengthening the charity’s impact and ensuring that everyone affected by coeliac disease feels informed, supported and represented.

Duncan has spent his career helping charities, membership and commercial organisations connect more deeply with the people they serve. Before joining Coeliac UK, he was Chief Commercial Officer at CILIP, leading work to grow membership, strengthen partnerships and modernise digital services.

As Chief Engagement Officer at Coeliac UK, Duncan brings together teams across communications, marketing, membership, volunteering and fundraising to help the charity reach and support more people living with coeliac disease. He’s passionate about building a stronger sense of community and making sure everyone affected by coeliac disease feels informed, supported and included.

Annette, who joined us in 2008 has worked in the charity sector for over 15 years, including roles with the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and as a trustee of a local Council for Voluntary Service.

As part of her role, Annette is involved with the strategic development, delivery and monitoring of all of our services.  She’s responsible for the membership experience and encouraging new people to join us at Coeliac UK.

Chris, who’s wife has coeliac disease, joined us as Director of Commercial Services in 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience in food and licensing sales. His career spans a range of roles across both medium and large enterprises, including his most recent position where he led the development and successful launch of Smiley branded foods into retailers across Europe.

At Coeliac UK, Chris works closely with the commercial team to drive growth and support for our members. His focus includes expanding awareness of our GF accreditation scheme and Crossed Grain trademark, helping to increase visibility and trust for gluten free products.

Heidi began her career in the manufacturing industry and during a career break to raise a family, she also completed a PhD in Nutrition and Food Science, including areas of immunology and microbiology. For seven years she was the Research Manager at Coeliac UK, developing strong governance and ensuring the voice of the coeliac community was heard via the research priority setting partnership.

Now as a member of the senior management team, her role is pivotal in the strategic development of the charity’s knowledge base. Heidi also plays an important representational role among key stakeholders in research and the health and food sectors.