Nadine El Achy
Chief Executive
As Chief Executive, I lead WAGGGS with an amazing team, guiding a global movement that puts girls and young women at the heart of change. My role is to create the space, strategy, and support for them to thrive as leaders and shape a better world.
I love working for WAGGGS because every day I see the ripple effect of girls and young women taking the lead, contributing to a legacy—and a future—of empowered change.
Something people might not know about me: since the age of 25, I have made a promise to discover a new country every year. Travel keeps me curious, inspired, and connected to the world and with myself.
Sally Elkes
Deputy Chief Executive
I lead the collaboration of our service offer across WAGGGS’ five regions to reach and support our Member Organisations. I love working alongside passionate staff and volunteers committed to creating an equal world where all girls can thrive.
Something people might not know about me: as a true Girl Guide, I enjoy weekends hiking and camping in nature.
Paul Bigmore
Chief Operating Officer
I oversee the smooth functioning of the organisation, particularly the fundraising, finance, and communications teams. I love WAGGGS because Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting empower millions of girls and young women to grow in confidence and make a positive impact on their communities and the environment.
Something people might not know about me: the teenage girls in my family inspire me to drive change for gender equality, and my experience across different teams helps me better understand both the needs and the potential of the organisation.
Andii Verhoeven
Head of Learning and Leadership Development
I lead a fantastic team of specialists in quality Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting, supporting our global team and national Girl Guide and Girl Scout organisations to strengthen the quality of non-formal learning and leadership development opportunities offered to girls, young people, and volunteers around the world.
I love collaborating with and learning from staff and volunteers from around the world every day, and knowing that we have helped girls discover how resilient and powerful they can be when they see themselves as leaders.
Something people might not know about me: I play the banjo and have recently started establishing a food forest.
Imogen Fitzpatrick
Head of Strategic Partnerships and Communications
I lead WAGGGS’ global fundraising and communications functions, managing high-value partnerships (corporate, foundation, and institutional) and ensuring cohesive storytelling, strong brand visibility, and effective stakeholder engagement.
I love working with committed and authentic partners who understand that investing in girls and young women is investing in the future, and who want to see real impact through the power of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting.
Something people might not know about me: I enjoy both team sports (netball) and individual sports (running and cycling) and can be surprisingly competitive!
Inga Pikse
Head of Philanthropy and Individual Giving
I lead global strategies to grow individual donor support and philanthropic partnerships, focusing on building meaningful relationships that empower girls and young women worldwide through sustainable funding.
I love working at WAGGGS because I was a Girl Guide myself and have cherished memories that shaped who I am today. It’s inspiring to now be part of this incredible global movement, using my skills to connect with donors worldwide and help empower the next generation.
Something people might not know about me: I am a competitive flower arrangement enthusiast and also enjoy basketball and cycling.
Magdalene Thomas
Head of International Operations
I oversee the five World Centres and lead WAGGGS’ work on Safeguarding and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). I love WAGGGS because I help girls and young women reach their potential and believe in themselves and their dreams.
Something people might not know about me: I was born in Lesotho and enjoy discovering new places as well as supporting grassroots change.
Natalia Plou
Head of Membership and Regional Support
I lead WAGGGS’ Membership Department, guiding Membership development, regional support, and capacity building. I work closely with Regional Committee Chairs to strengthen relationships with Member Organisations, support their growth and sustainability, and ensure they have access to high-quality services that reflect WAGGGS’ Global Strategy.
I love WAGGGS because each day brings new opportunities to support real change alongside passionate colleagues and volunteers.
Something people might not know about me: I am a bit obsessed with hiking volcanoes and keep a growing list of treks I have completed or plan to do.
Nicola Lawrence
Head of Governance
I promote and uphold high standards of charity and corporate governance across all WAGGGS entities, providing guidance on governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and constitutional matters, and enabling effective, ethical, and transparent decision-making at all levels of the organisation.
I love working for WAGGGS because it aligns with my values and connects me to a global movement of millions of girls and young women. Knowing that I am contributing to something that matters on such a global scale is incredibly rewarding.
Something people might not know about me: I enjoy exploring heritage sites, genealogy, and learning Japanese.
Sophie Rymer
Head of Global Programmes
I lead the team that delivers a portfolio of externally funded opportunities to our Movement. These include badge activity pack programmes (such as Surf Smart, Free Being Me, and many more), our exchange programme (YESS), global advocacy initiatives, and grants to Member Organisations to deliver projects on the SDGs (GYM).
I love being part of a huge Movement, all connected by a shared belief in the value of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting—it’s incredible how powerful it is!
Something people might not know about me: my happy place is hiking to the top of a mountain—I have even trekked the southernmost trail in the world, Los Dientes de Navarino.
Susana Nino
Director of Finance
I ensure WAGGGS’ finances are managed efficiently and comply with statutory and sector standards, maximising financial impact to support high-quality services and programmes. I love working at WAGGGS because of its transformative impact on millions of girls and young women worldwide.
My passion lies in empowering charities to thrive, with a particular focus on strengthening financial management and reporting capabilities to ensure long-term success and transparency.
Something people might not know about me: I am originally from Colombia, have lived overseas for 25 years, and started my career as an accountant in Australia.