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Our Team

UK-Med / Our Team

Senior Management Team

David Wightwick CMG

CEO

David joined UK-Med in January 2018 as Chief Executive, bringing over two decades of experience in senior leadership roles within the humanitarian sector. Prior to this, David held several high-level positions, including Global Operations Director at Merlin, Health Director at GOAL and Director of Operations Management at Save the Children International. His expertise spans strategic planning, organisational development, capacity building, and crisis management, with a proven track record in leading large-scale operations in insecure environments. David has also served in senior advisory roles with the World Health Organization, managing emergency responses in various global crises.

Photo of Adil smiling.

Adil Shah

COO

Adil joined UK-Med in December 2020 as the Director of Support Services, bringing extensive experience spanning over two decades in leadership roles with civil society organisations across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Prior to his current role, Adil was the Director of Finance and Operations at ADD International, where he oversaw programs supporting disability rights movements in Africa and Asia. His work has focused on operational efficiency and governance frameworks, emphasising strategic resource management. Throughout his career, Adil has been instrumental in leading organisations through significant growth and transformation; developing innovative strategies that drive sustainability, operational excellence, and impact to navigate complex change processes.

Ram Vadi

Health Director

Ram Vadi is a medical doctor with extensive global experience in outbreak response, conflict zones, and health system strengthening. Currently, as Health Director at UK-Med, Ram provides strategic leadership and technical oversight for health programs in humanitarian settings. Before joining UK-Med, he was the Team Lead and Medical Coordinator for the UK EMT response in Lebanon, managing health interventions during the Beirut port explosion and COVID-19 crisis. Ram has also worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Syria, South Sudan, and Somalia, leading health programs in conflict zones. He played a key role during the West African Ebola outbreak in Guinea in 2014, overseeing healthcare delivery and emergency response efforts.

Michelle Hanegård

Director of Learning and Capacity Building

Michelle Hanegaard has been with UK-Med since March 2020 and was promoted to Director of Capacity Building in January 2023. She brings over a decade of experience in training and capacity development across the humanitarian and non-profit sectors. In her current role, Michelle manages UK-Med’s training portfolio, designing and delivering programmes that equip healthcare professionals to respond effectively to humanitarian emergencies. Her expertise lies in leading innovative learning initiatives, with a strong focus on participatory and human rights-based approaches to capacity building.

Duncan Mann

Director of People

Duncan leads on human resources activities for the UK-Med staff team and on our membership activities, including our register of volunteers. Duncan joined UK-Med in 2018 after an earlier career including professional HR roles, volunteer management, and strategic leadership of charitable membership organisations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Development and professional membership of the CIPD. With a background in higher education, student representation, and charity leadership, he is skilled in driving change and developing strong, effective teams.

Sonia Zambakides

Director of International Operations

Sonia Zambakides joined UK-Med in January 2024 as the Director of International Operations, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience in humanitarian and development sectors across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Before her current role, Sonia held senior positions with Save the Children, International Medical Corps, and Crown Agents, where she led large-scale emergency responses and strategic initiatives. Her work focuses on operational excellence, strategic partnerships, and advancing humanitarian impact in complex and high-risk environments.