We are pleased to announce that Chris Martin has joined MQ as interim CEO.
He will work with the charity’s dynamic team to drive more influential research and funding partnerships and build on the record of success they have built over the past 13 years.
Chris brings extensive experience in charity and mental health sectors to MQ, which has previously led the portfolio, a digital mental health charity for young people who merged with mental health innovation in 2024 to create the UK’s largest early intervention, based on data insights and digital diplomacy.
Chris is the chairman of the national eating disorder charity Beat and a trustee of the Mental Health Foundation. In 2017, he worked with the royal family and seven other national charities to fundamentally challenge the stigma of mental health across the country through the groundbreaking “head” campaign.
“It was an incredible privilege to join MQ during such exciting times,” Chris said.
“The opportunity for MQ to make global impact through innovative research is more needed than ever. I look forward to working with our talented and ambitious team to address this challenge.”
Chris’ appointment comes after Andy Ratcliffe, who left MQ for other interests. As the charity currently supports 39 active research projects, his appointment coincides with MQ’s particularly exciting time, including 27 grants and 12 research partnerships in nine countries. You can read more in MQ’s latest annual report.
MQ Chairman Dr. Shahzad Malik said: “The board remains clear that MQ is well suited to meet the fundamental gaps in the needs of mental health research. We are committed to strengthening the impact of greater mental health research under Chris’ experienced interim leadership, as well as the appointment of MQ’s long-term successor CEO.”
