Rory Brooks CBE
Biography
Rory was the first member of his family to attend university. He graduated from Manchester University in Management Sciences in 1975. He joined the Bank of Boston in London and spent thirteen years there, including nine years in the US (Boston and New York).
Upon returning to London, Rory founded in 1988 what is now MML Capital, a leading European mid-market growth capital provider. MML has offices in London, Paris, Dublin and New York. He stepped down as Chair in 2023.
Rory and his wife, Elizabeth, established their family philanthropic foundation in 2005 with a focus on social disadvantage, education, and arts. Rory was chair of the philanthropic board of Manchester University for ten years (honorary doctorate 2010), hosted poverty summits in South Africa, and has served as trustee and/or chair of The Centre for Social Justice, IntoUniversity and Quintessentially Foundation.
Among other government appointments, he was the donor member of the Pearce Review into philanthropy in HE (2012). He has consistently promoted philanthropy and was awarded the CBE in 2015.
Board member
Charity Commission Board members are ultimately responsible for all that the commission does. They set the commission’s values, business direction and strategy and make sure it acts fairly, responsibly, transparently, proportionately and ethically. Board members see that the commission maintains its integrity and independence. They identify and manage risks and listen and respond to stakeholders.
The commission’s Board members also:
- monitor how the commission meets its statutory objectives and uses its legal powers
- consider the commission’s management team’s performance, governance standards and delivery against plans
- focus on maximising the commission’s impact and effectiveness
- make sure the commission uses public funds prudently