With more than 25 years’ experience at executive board level in the creative industries, Mel brings extensive leadership and governance expertise to War Child UK. She is the former Managing Director of Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), where she also served as the global agency’s first Chief Digital Officer and co-founder of BBH Labs. She later became Group CEO of Sunshine before building a career as a writer, board advisor, and Non-Executive Director.
Mel is a committed advocate for advancing representation, gender equality and children’s welfare. She has served as a Trustee of Doteveryone, the responsible technology think tank founded by Martha Lane Fox, and currently sits on the boards of Literacy Pirates and Media Trust, where she is Vice-Chair. Her leadership is characterised by mobilising creativity at scale and fostering equitable cultures that together enable transformative and lasting impact. Having grown up in Pakistan and Nigeria, she also brings lived experience of conflict and displacement to her new role.
Under John Fallon’s leadership, War Child UK achieved a number of major milestones. He oversaw the charity’s transition into the global War Child Alliance, which in 2024 reached more than 2 million children, the highest number in its history. He also strengthened the organisation’s governance, ensuring that people living in countries affected by conflict play a central role in shaping programmes and decisions.
Helen Pattinson, CEO of War Child UK, said: “John has been an outstanding Chair, steering War Child UK through a period of enormous progress and change. His leadership has helped make us a stronger, more globally connected organisation that is better positioned to deliver lasting impact for children affected by conflict. I’m thrilled to welcome Mel as our new Chair. Her exceptional experience in engaging the public through creative campaigns, alongside her governance expertise and personal connection to our mission, make her an inspiring choice to guide our next chapter.”
John Fallon, outgoing Chair of War Child UK, said; “War Child is a very special organisation, playing a vital role in society. I’m proud of what the team has achieved, reaching more children than ever before, building a more inclusive, collaborative organisation, and creating a global platform by which we can set new standards in scaling proven, effective means of caring for children in conflict. I know Mel will bring fresh insight and energy to the role, and I look forward to seeing War Child UK continue to thrive under her leadership.”
Mel Exon, incoming Chair of War Child UK, said; “I’m honoured to be joining War Child UK as Chair. I want to thank John for his remarkable contribution and look forward to working with Helen, the Board, and the wider War Child team to build on that success. My goal as Chair is to champion the charity’s mission - to protect, educate, and stand up for children whose lives have been torn apart by conflict - as we steer War Child UK’s next phase of growth, supporting the organisation’s vital, evidence-based programmes.”
