Clare co-founded, developed and sold Academee, a global leadership development consultancy, to Oliver Wyman, a division of Marsh and McLennan Companies in 2008. Retained post-acquisition as Global Partner of Sales and Market Development within this Fortune250 group.

A successful business woman and entrepreneur focused on leadership and strategic engagement who has coached, facilitated and chaired boards, senior management teams and leaders across the globe over the last 20 years working in industry sectors including technology, banking and finance, natural resources, retail and manufacturing.

Experience also includes investment funding and negotiating the sale and purchase of several businesses. Clare also has significant experience within the community, charity and local political landscape.

Clare was the Growth Director at Cirrus, a Leadership, talent and engagement consulting firm, working with FTSE 100 clients

• Strategic advice on growth, acquisitions and integration, balancing wealth creation and risk
• Support on succession planning, talent and leadership
• Consulting with major clients through board facilitation and executive coaching
•  Lead the business development and marketing teams
• Achieved major account wins with clients, sales and marketing advice

Deputy Lieutenant for Cheshire (2013 to current)

• Role representing the Lord Lieutenant and the Queen through attending and leading services, parades, citizenship ceremonies and charities.

Queens Voluntary Award Assessment Board (2013 to current)

• Assessment of voluntary organisations.
• Recommendations put forward to the national body.

East Cheshire Hospice – Ambassador and Angel

• Successful fund raising to create and support creation of Hospice at Home.

MMU MBA Advisory Board 

• Strategic insights from business to support the development of the MBA programme.

Past roles have included Chair of Make It Macclesfield (2010 -2017). 

This is a Community Interest Company focused on economic prosperity for the 56,000 people of Macclesfield, she led the creation and progress towards a new town vision. Chaired and facilitated monthly and quarterly meetings with county council officers, MP’s, local businesses and corporates, education, third sector and health, complex public and private stakeholder engagement. Raised and supported substantial public funding and grants, and developed a team to implement town centre regeneration, silk quarter development, cultural and heritage events, communications and improved finance and governance.

Peaks and Plains Housing Trust (2011- 2014) – Independent Board Member. 

Housing association in East Cheshire, £78m assets under management. Provided governance support, strategic input, serving on finance, risk and audit committees.

Oliver Wyman Global Head of Market Development, Partner (Leadership Development 2008 – 2010) 

Global consulting business with operations in 40 countries, part of MMC (NASDAQ), $11bn turnover. Responsible for client income of over $30m and led teams in Asia, EMEA and the US, Developed client relationships at board level globally with clients such as BP ($1.5m) and RBS ($3m), Integrated the UK and Asia businesses with the parent following acquisition, Collaborated at partner level across the wider group to develop joined up account management with key clients.

Chair of Governors – Rainow School ( 2002-2004).

Academee (1993-2008) – Managing Director European leadership consultancy, 75 employed and 250 associates, rated 5th Best Place to Work in UK by FT in 2007As MD, led the business from launch in 1993 to sale in 2008 to Oliver Wyman with the CEO through both organic growth and acquisitions. Achieved sales growth every year but one over 15 years, on average 20% growth. Raised significant venture capital investment to fund growth of the digital business and acquisitions in UK and Singapore. Academee became one of the leading brands in the market, trusted by FTSE100 clients

Other roles (1987-1993) – Previously, held a number of commercial and management roles, building a strong reputation for professional sales and client management in the telecoms and consulting markets. Centre for Consultancy plc – Senior Consultant, Dial-A-Phone plc, Norton Telecoms Siemens, School Chair of Governors.

British Expedition to Indochina (1986-1987) – The first western women to travel throughout Indochina after the Vietnam War. Raised significant sponsorship from Massey Ferguson, Johnnie Walker, BOC, ICI and Rothmans. Worked with the Minister of Agriculture of Vietnam to gain access to local farmers, factories, and retailers to research the current market situation.