Philanthropy and Corporate Board

Working alongside our team to create a sustainable future for Noah's Ark.

Coming from a range of industries, including marketing, asset management and retail, our Philanthropy and Corporate Board work closely with our senior fundraising team, supporting us to think strategically and refine our vision for a more sustainable future.

Their expertise, connections and passion drive forward positive change for the charity – we sincerely thank them for their time.

Meet The Philanthropy and Corporate Board

Atif Sheikh, Chair

Businessfourzero

Atif founded businessfourzero out of a passion for unlocking both human and commercial potential through better ways of doing business. His earlier career spans commercial innovation roles at Unilever, Diageo, and in private equity, culminating in his role as European CEO at the pioneering consultancy ?What If!.

He brings expertise in purpose, leadership, innovation, and transformation to his work with major brands, helping drive purpose-led growth at companies like Tesco, Aviva, TSB, and Reckitt. Widely regarded as one of the industry’s most influential purpose strategists, Atif champions a vision where business success and societal impact go hand-in-hand.

Adam Pike

Hanassi Partners

Adam is a serial entrepreneur and commercial strategist with a deep commitment to building impactful businesses. He has founded and led ventures such as SuperCarers and BeyondMe.org, and most recently served as the commercial leader at healthtech company Accurx, backed by leading VCs Atomico and Lakestar.

His work spans executive coaching, non-exec roles, and advisory support to mission-driven companies. Adam has also contributed to systemic change, helping establish What Works Centres that influence over £250 billion of public spending.

Richard Smith

Payen

Richard is the co-founder of ILIXIUM and Payen, where he has played a key role in building a world-class technology platform and assembling a high-performing team from the ground up. Under his leadership, Payen has evolved into a resilient, bootstrapped payments company that partners with some of the world’s leading banks and acquirers.

As CEO, Richard steers the company through a dynamic and highly competitive landscape. His focus on innovation and long-term strategy helps Payen stay ahead of the curve and stand out in the fast-moving financial services sector.

Gary Landesberg

Mountain Capital

Gary Landesberg is a seasoned investor and philanthropist with a long-standing commitment to social impact. As one of the founding members of the Noah’s Ark Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships Board and former Chair of Major Giving, he has played a pivotal role in expanding philanthropic support for the charity.

A Partner at Mountain Capital, Gary brings over three decades of experience in property, leisure, and real estate. He served for 12 years as Executive Chairman of one of London’s most successful private members' clubs and is the Principal Shareholder of The Wilde Collection. His strategic investments and leadership continue to shape influential ventures across multiple sectors.