Our trustees
The Wood Foundation is guided by trustees who bring deep experience, personal commitment and a shared belief in using philanthropy well
Guiding the Foundation with care
The trustees help shape The Wood Foundation’s direction, making sure its work stays true to the values it was built on while looking clearly at what comes next.
Their role is not only to oversee decisions, but to protect the spirit of the Foundation: thoughtful giving, practical involvement and a long-term commitment to work that can make a meaningful difference.
Meet the trustees
Our Board brings together family leadership, philanthropic experience and long-standing knowledge of the Foundation’s work across Scotland and Africa.
Sir Ian Wood
Founder and PresidentSir Ian Wood established The Wood Foundation with his family in 2007 and chaired the Board for 18 years.
As Founder and President, he remains closely connected to the Foundation, supporting its work as it continues to build on nearly two decades of philanthropy across Scotland and Africa.
Dr. Gareth Wood MBE
ChairmanGarreth Wood became chair of The Wood Foundation in 2025, continuing the family’s commitment to active, purposeful philanthropy.
He brings significant experience from his wider charitable work, including co-founding Kids Operating Room with Nicola Wood. Their work to improve access to children’s surgery internationally was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, with both receiving MBEs.
Lady Helen Wood
TrusteeLady Helen Wood has been central to the Foundation’s story and to the family’s wider commitment to giving back.
Her care for people, particularly those facing difficult or overlooked challenges, continues to shape the Foundation’s next chapter through The Lady Helen Wood Fund.
Graham Good
TrusteeGraham Good has worked closely with the Wood family for many years and has been a trustee of The Wood Foundation since its founding in 2007.
A Scottish Chartered Accountant, he brings long-standing financial and organisational experience, including his role as Director and CEO of JW Holdings.
Andrew Walker
TrusteeAndrew is a Scottish Chartered Accountant and has specialised in corporate finance for over 25 years. He was appointed a Trustee of The Wood Foundation, in 2026 and is involved with the financial, legal, and compliance aspects of the Foundation. Andrew was also a Trustee of The Wood Foundation Africa to assist with the foundation’s venture philanthropic model throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Andrew has spent most of his career in professional practice advising a range of companies from start-ups to listed companies operating internationally. After qualifying in 1993, Andrew spent several years with KPMG before he joined Johnston Carmichael, a top 20 UK accountancy firm, as a Corporate Finance partner in 2003. During his time at Johnston Carmichael, Andrew served on the Board from 2008 and was appointed as Chief Executive in 2019 until he stood down in 2024. Andrew is married with two children.
Meet the wider team
The trustees are supported by teams working across Scotland and Africa, bringing The Wood Foundation’s work to life every day.
