The Development Department: Who’s Who

Karen Thomas is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at St George’s NHS Healthcare Trust. She has set up a clinical network providing specialist children’s services to South West London, Surrey and West Sussex. She is Chair of the Children’s Surgery Group at St George’s and Associate Medical Director.

Karen is committed to surgical education with particular focus on the reduction of premature mortality in surgical patients. Karen is also Director of Professional Affairs (South London) for the Royal College of Surgeons and, as such, has an oversight of the delivery and development of surgical services in that area.

Epsom College Governor, and long-standing supporter of Epsom College. In 2011, Clive co-founded The City Pub Company (East) Plc which acquires and operates a portfolio of high-quality pubs in cities and major provincial towns in the South East.

Richard, a former OE Club President, is Senior Consultant, Risk & Financial Services at Towers Watson, an insurance consulting firm based in Epsom. He plays clarinet in the Band of the Surrey Yeomanry and is a member of Epsom Racecourse.

“I’m a passionate supporter of quality education in general and Epsom College in particular. Our children are our future and we must invest in them and give them the best possible education which fits their needs and ability.”

Ashley has spent 30 years in the corporate world; 20 with Chase Manhattan Bank all over the world, and six in Saudi Arabia as Technical Director of The National Commercial Bank, during which time he was asked to join the International Board of MasterCard. He moved from Saudi Arabia to South Africa to Head the Africa and Middle East Region of MasterCard.

In 2000 he gave up the corporate world and founded his own company. Since then, he has built and sold several companies, including Datacash to MasterCard. Today he Chairs five companies around the world and is heavily involved in fundraising for several charities.

Steven, Honorary Secretary of the OE Legal Society and former OE Club President is a barrister specialising in international criminal law.

“Education is an investment in the future for our society. Epsom College gave me an education and opportunity that shaped me and made my life. I support the College because it is a means by which we can provide for other children the opportunity to experience the finest education available.”

Roger came to the College in 1986 and retired in 2013. He was Head of Modern Languages, Holman Housemaster and Deputy Head.

Andrew, a former OE Club President, is the former Chief Executive of the accountancy firm, Crowe Clark Whitehill. He serves as Treasurer of Epsom College.

Alastair, a General Practitioner based in Merstham, Surrey, is the Chair of Governors.

“I am grateful for the wonderful grounding and start in life that Epsom has given to both myself and my daughter. I hope other OEs will support the College to give others the opportunity we have had through attending this great school.”

The renowned educationalist and historian, with over 20 years experience at Brighton and Wellington, took up the role as Epsom College’s 15th Head in March 2023 and will lead the College until September 2024.

Helen has been Director of Development at Epsom College since 2019. She holds a BA Hons in Economics and Business Studies from University of Wolverhampton and a PGCE from the University of Hertfordshire. At the outset of her career, she was a Lecturer in Business Studies and Marketing at Hertford Regional College. Latterly, she was Director for Development at Haileybury 2006-12; thereafter, Director of Development at Channing School 2012-18 and, most recently, Director of Development at Reigate GS.