Our People

Grand Secretary

Worshipful Brother Adrian Marsh PJGD was appointed Grand Secretary in 2022.

Adrian joined the UGLE Audit Committee in 2017 and has chaired the Committee since 2020. He has also been on the Board of General Purposes since 2019 and the Risk Committee since 2020.

Director of HR

Liz joined UGLE in 2014, having previously worked for Morgan Stanley for a number of years. A HR professional with vast experience in the intricacies of people management and employee relations, she has a passion for making a difference and a focus on people.

Explain your role at UGLE?

I head up the HR function with accountability and responsibility for all aspects of HR and payroll for UGLE, UGLE Trading and the Museum of Freemasonry. I get involved in everything from management of pension and benefit schemes, compensation, sickness to recruitment and employee relations plus everything else in between. It’s not a job for the faint-hearted, you need a thick skin and the conviction to follow through. I ensure people are at the forefront and are respected, valued and treated fairly. I support my team, the staff, management and the organisation as a whole by offering guidance and support.        

What do you love most about working here?

I love that no two days are ever the same as such a varied and interesting role. The people make an organisation, and we have some great people working here. I feel respected and appreciated for the support and advice I give, and that makes it all worthwhile.     

Hobbies outside of work?

Running/fitness, baking, travelling and socialising with friends and family.

Ideal dinner party guest? 

Chris Hemsworth

Director of Building Services

Richard started in the catering and hospitality industry with his first job being a kitchen porter when he was 17, and 20 years later left as a Director of Events to move into Facilities Management.

Richard has worked for the private, the public and the third sectors in various roles and for organisations including Gardner Merchant Leisure, Chester Boyd, Letheby & Christopher and Leith’s, Kingston University Service Company.

Explain your role at UGLE?

I am part of the Senior Team at FMH, and I am responsible for making sure our members, staff and visitors can use Freemasons’ Hall each day we are open and can enjoy their time in the building. My teams are Security, Reception, Post Room, Portering and Maintenance. Together with Tony Retberg, Facilities Manager, we also manage contracts such as the cleaning, waste management, overnight security and pest control.  With Paul Tinnams, Maintenance Supervisor, we are responsible for all the plants, machinery, heating and ventilation, upholstery, French Polishing, decorating and carpentry and we manage a contractor who helps with the plumbing. The Building Services team covers 6 days a week from 07:00 until 21:00 – longer if FMH is open on a Sunday or later during the week because of a commercial hire. 

Ideal dinner party guest?

My husband.

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself?

I spent part of my childhood living in Africa and on Ascension Island.

General Counsel

Donald joined UGLE in 2017. He worked in the City as a solicitor and in-house at an international children’s charity before joining UGLE.

Explain your role at UGLE?

I advise on compliance and run the legal department.  This supports the organisation on legal matters including litigation, data protection, contracts, property, intellectual property and charity law.  It also encompasses the Masonic disciplinary system and records management.

What do you love most about working here?

The humility and courtesy of Freemasons, and our small role in helping facilitate the huge amount of charity work they do.    

Hobbies outside work?

Bouldering, running, gardening, reading, piano, DIY, clowning around with my children.

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself?

There are no fun facts about me.

Deputy Grand Secretary

Graham joined UGLE in November 1987 as Assistant to the Grand Secretary, and has been Deputy Grand Secretary since 2013. He was called to the Bar in July 1974 and after a period in pupillage and practice worked in the Legal Department of Dunlop Holdings from 1978.

Explain your role at UGLE?

Joined in November 1987, and have been Assistant and then Deputy Grand Secretary under six Grand Secretaries.

What do you love most about working here?

The endless variety.

Ideal dinner party guest?

My three dinner-party guests would be P.G. Wodehouse, Alistair Cooke [“Letter from America”] and Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself?

I represented my College on University Challenge in 1969 and 1970.

Chief Financial Officer

Anna joined UGLE as the Chief Financial Officer in August 2021. Prior to this, she held a number of senior finance roles within the media sector. 

Explain your role at UGLE?

In my role as Finance Director, I ensure the sound financial management of the organisation by providing strategic financial leadership and developing good governance through policies and procedures. 

What do you love most about working here?

I like the breadth of the work that I cover and working with such knowledgeable colleagues.

Hobbies outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Director of Commercial and Hospitality Operations

Claire Bastin joined UGLE in November 2022 as Commercial Director.  Before this, Claire was Head of Events at the Royal Museums of Greenwich where she managed events and hospitality for the National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Planetarium.  Prior to this, Claire was part of the project team to open the brand new Postal Museum and Mail Rail where she implemented a commercial strategy for the retail, events and hospitality business areas.  Claire was also a Chair for Visit Greenwich Events Strategy Group.

Explain your role at UGLE?

My role is a newly created post which works with the UGLE Trading Board.  I am tasked with identifying new commercial opportunities and also maximising the existing offers available at Freemasons’ Hall, which includes the award-winning retail and online shop, the Café and Bar, public tours, in-house dining and external venue hire for events and filming.

What do you love most about working here?

They say it’s all about location, location, location and I could not agree more.  The Freemasons’ Hall is a stunning art deco building and located in my favourite part of London.  Aside from that, it’s a super interesting place to work steeped in history and intrigue.

Hobbies outside of work?

Travel, Dining out, Theatre, Fitness, Interior Design and Fashion,

Ideal dinner party guest?

Dame Maggie Smith (her one-liners in Downtown Abbey are legendary!)

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Hugh joined UGLE in 2022, having previous held senior executive roles in a number of international software houses, including, most recently, serving on the board of directors of one of the world’s most popular content management systems. He has also served the Province of Buckinghamshire as their Deputy Provincial Grand Master since 2018.

Explain your role at UGLE

As CIO I am responsible for the I.T. infrastructure within UGLE. This includes the support teams that provide services to the building as well as the software development and support that assist our Provincial and District Offices as well as their Lodges and Chapters and ultimately our members. As part of this I am looking to make our software tools as user-friendly and intuitive as possible such that they assist and support our members in their administrative roles, enabling them to focus on what they enjoy – Freemasonry.

What do you love most about working here?

We have a wide variety of team members made up from a wealth of different experiences and knowledge. Being able to tap into this knowledge base brings a wide variety of ideas and adds to the variety and fulfilment of a day at Great Queen Street.

Hobbies outside of work?

I love cooking, travelling and photography as well as attending lodge meetings and meeting new people.

Ideal dinner party guest?

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs

Director of Membership and Communications

Shaun Butler was born in 1993 and joined UGLE in 2017 where he is now Director of Membership and Communications. He is a member of Letchworth Lodge No. 3505 and Lodge Sine Nomine No. 10,000 – having been initiated into Greenwich Meridian Lodge No. 6791 in 2015.

Explain your role at UGLE

As Director of the Membership and Communications Team, I am responsible for overseeing and enhancing the overall membership experience within the organisation. My role involves developing strategies to attract and retain members, fostering effective internal and external communication, and promoting the organisation's mission and values.

What do you love most about working here?

I love the rich history of Freemasonry and actively participating in the ongoing support of the impactful initiatives led by Freemasons throughout UGLE.

Hobbies outside of work?

I am a passionate supporter of Newcastle United (for my sins!) and cherish quality family moments.

Ideal dinner party guest?

Admiral Lord Nelson