Helen Matthews takes the helm as new CEO of Cure Parkinson’s

10 August 2023

We are delighted to announce that Helen Matthews will be taking over as CEO of Cure Parkinson’s later this summer. As our current Deputy CEO and former COO, Helen has been a driving force behind the charity since it was formed over 17 years ago, and has been instrumental in progressing some of the most promising and valuable research into finding a cure. Helen is well-known and highly engaged with the Parkinson’s community, and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the helm of Cure Parkinson’s.

Helen will take over as CEO over from Will Cook, who has led Cure Parkinson’s since 2017. Will took the role soon after the charity’s President and Co-founder, his lifelong friend Tom Isaacs, passed away and Will has been responsible for the exciting growth of the charity since then.  He will remain significantly involved, in support of Helen and the team, working for the charity with a focus on the definition and delivery of major clinical trial funding partnerships. As the charity has grown and our traditional fundraising income risen over the last few years, this is a burgeoning area with great potential to support more crucial, large-scale trials.

Helen said:

I am honoured to step into the role of CEO. Thanks to Will’s vision and commitment, our dedicated team of staff, our incredible supporters, and through our collaboration with leading scientists and research organisations throughout the world, we are continuing to break new ground. Our mission is clear and urgent, to find the cure for Parkinson’s that is so desperately needed.”

Will said:

Given the strength of our team, the continued progress of our clinical trial programme, and our successes in major trial planning, the time is right for these changes. Helen is a brilliant leader and ambassador for the charity. We have great potential for delivering further crucial large-scale trials. So driving forward our funding partnerships is the single most impactful area I can influence within Cure Parkinson’s – we aim for even more ‘bangs for our buck’ – and I look forward to delivering on that. Cure Parkinson’s is an efficient, entrepreneurial, inspirational charity – truly an international catalyst for cure – and under Helen’s leadership we will continue to drive forward.”

Will has also taken on the role of Chair of our Development Board, additionally supporting individual philanthropy relationships on a voluntary basis. 

Will and Helen made the announcement at the International Linked Clinical Trials meeting held at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, in June, in front of the leading neurologists and neuroscientists forming that committee as well as other major Parkinson’s charities and other supporters. To read about iLCT and the committee meetings, click the button below.