Mary OakesCEO Opportunity International UK

I bring over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector, specialising in fundraising for international development. I began my career at Tearfund, helping to establish what is now a global major donor programme, and I’ve since led fundraising teams at Church Mission Society, World Vision UK, Habitat for Humanity, and Innovista International. My work has taken me across Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, raising resources for Christian mission as well as both humanitarian and development work. I have also been a board member for Embrace the Middle East for the last seven years. I joined Opportunity International UK in 2023 as Deputy CEO and became CEO in February 2025. Based in north Oxfordshire, I enjoy the outdoor life with my husband Michael, Springer Spaniel Poppy, and ex-racehorse Moo.