Waterloo uncovered appoints new ceo
As many of you may already know, Waterloo Uncovered's CEO Mark Evans has decided, after eight years at the helm of the charity, to step down and pursue new opportunities. In succession to Mark, we are delighted to announce the appointment of our new CEO, Abigail Boyle. With extensive experience as a diplomat representing the UK internationally, a tenure supporting veterans into employment as the Director of Operations at The Poppy Factory, and as a former Naval Reservist, Abbie brings a wealth of skills and experience that will enable her to lead the charity forward as we continue to develop in 2024.
The Trustees and Staff of the charity would like to thank Mark and pay tribute to his vision, commitment and ceaseless energy, something we know will be echoed by our volunteers, partners and, most importantly, beneficiaries. Waterloo Uncovered as it is today is the result of an eight-year journey from modest beginnings in 2015. Initially conceived as a limited project to conduct a single excavation in the anniversary year of the Battle of Waterloo, Mark has led its transformation, first into a properly established charity, and then managed the steady evolution of a purpose, ways of working and the creation of a strong and capable team.
"On behalf of the Waterloo Uncovered staff I would like to thank Mark for all the opportunities he has offered us, both to join his vision and to explore and develop our own ideas," says Head of Education Vicki Haverkate, "Working with Mark has always felt innovative, collaborative and above all fun. This will continue to be reflected in the structure and spirit of the organisation he has built as we move forward with Abbie at the helm."
Alongside our academic and professional partners, Waterloo Uncovered has become an important and far-reaching research project that both illuminates history and improves the present. Much of what this charity does can genuinely be described as ‘groundbreaking’, and Mark has always been at the heart of it. As our founding CEO, Mark has seen every step of the journey and carried much of the load - a contribution which was recognised with a Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister in 2020. His generosity, good humour and profound desire to help others have been an inspiration: it is a wonderful legacy, and he has earned a break. We wish him the very best of luck in his new endeavours and look forward to keeping in touch.
Former CEO and co-founder Mark Evans.
Newly appointed CEO Abigail Boyle.
"It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with Mark for the last eight years on a project that is built on a friendship that began at university 26 years ago," said the charity's co-founder Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Foinette, "I know just how much Waterloo Uncovered means to him, and how much of himself he has put into it. He has built something very special, and leaves a wonderful legacy."
The charity's Archaeological Director Professor Tony Pollard added: "Mark changed my life when he and Charlie invited me to join what became Waterloo Uncovered, way back in 2014. It’s the best project I’ve ever been involved with and its success is in no small measure down to his vision and commitment. It’s quite a legacy."
Under Abbie's leadership, 2024 will see the delivery of four Programmes supporting dozens of British and international veterans and serving personnel, and the exploration of even more incredible archaeology as we return to Mont-Saint-Jean farm for our annual excavation. The year will also see new blood added to our Board of Trustees as we expand our range of expertise and appoint new members to continue their important work of operational oversight.
"As Mark moves on to a new adventure, it has prompted me to reflect on his extraordinary achievements in conceiving and delivering the incredible charity that is Waterloo Uncovered," Brigadier Greville Bibby CBE, Chairman of Trustees, said, "There are hundreds of people who have benefited from his vision and energy and will forever be grateful to Mark for what he has given them. It has been an honour and pleasure to chair the Board of Trustees and we all look forward to supporting Abbie as she leads the charity on the next leg of its journey."
All at Waterloo Uncovered would like to thank our friends, partners and members of the ‘WU family’ for your continued and much-valued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our events in 2024. Until then, please accept our best wishes for Christmas and a Happy New Year.