WEN appoints new Chief Executive

Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales is delighted to announce the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer, Anna Brown.

Anna brings 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning UK charity leadership, international development, and finance. She previously served as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Bristol-based social justice charity Talking Money, and arrives with a clear commitment to equity, collaboration, and amplifying the voices of communities facing disadvantage.

At a pivotal time for gender equality in Wales, Anna’s leadership will help strengthen WEN’s voice, deepen partnerships, and advance progress toward lasting systemic change. She will join WEN from 9 March, leading the organisation into its next phase and progressing our ambition to create a Wales free from gender discrimination.

Anna Brown said:

“Gender inequality remains deeply embedded in our systems and structures. I am excited to join the WEN Wales team to help drive the bold, collective action needed to challenge injustice and deliver lasting change. I look forward to working with colleagues, members and partners across Wales to ensure that women’s voices are heard, valued and reflected in the decisions that shape our nation.” 

WEN Wales Chair Mary Ann Brocklesby said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Anna as our new Chief Executive Officer. With a proven track record of successful policy engagement, partnership development, and programme delivery at national and international level, she will lead WEN into our next phase and drive forward our work to create a Wales free from gender discrimination.”

This of course means that we are waving a sad goodbye to our Director since 2023, Victoria Vasey. Victoria has presided over a period of growth for the team, as we diversified our funding, relaunched our flagship Equal Power Equal Voice cross-equalities mentoring programme, and began incubating Wales Women’s Budget Group.

WEN Wales Chair Mary Ann Brocklesby said:

“On behalf of the Board and everyone at WEN Wales, I would like to thank Victoria for her leadership, dedication, and vision. Victoria has solidified and strengthened WEN’s position as Wales’ leading gender equality organisation, grown and empowered our staff team, and ably steered us through a complex and ever-evolving landscape. We will miss Victoria, and as she moves on to her next chapter, we would like to wish her the very best in all her future endeavours.”

Victoria Vasey said:

“It has been a privilege to lead WEN alongside an excellent, diligent, tireless staff team so passionate about working for a Wales free from gender discrimination. Thank you to them, and to our partners, supporters, and funders, without whose support, voices, and expertise we could not make the same impact. Thank you also to the Board for their invaluable support and backing throughout my time as Director.

Together, we have deepened WEN’s commitment to robust, evidence-based research, reinforced our inclusive values, and continued to build an organisation that is sorely needed in Wales today. As I step away, I have no doubt that WEN will continue to go from strength to strength under its new leadership.”