Meet the trustees

Filippo Gaddo

Chair of Trustees

Filippo is an experienced Economist and Business Strategy Advisor with eighteen years’ professional experience working for government departments and major consulting firms.

He has worked in the public sector and in the private sector and in his role as a consultant he has often supported small companies and start-ups developing their business plans and funding innovative solutions. Filippo is a keen runner who lives in Islington and enjoys spending time in the local community.

Filippo has been a trustee of the Club since October 2019

Nargis Christopher

Trustee

Experienced creative projects development manager, with digital marketing knowledge, specialising in life-long learning and education in various sectors. Nargis has worked with many educational organisations such as Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Institution of Civil Engineers, Trinity College London and the British Council. She was instrumental in the implementation and development of Arts Award qualifications for young people and RPS mentoring programme for pharmacists. A mentor and learning facilitator Nargis founded “Unframed” workplace drawing club. She also volunteers with Friends of City Gardens, makes delicious marmalade and loves decorating cakes for fundraising events.

A parent of IBC champion kayaker and enthusiastic supporter of the IBC since 2018. Nargis has been a trustee of the Boat Club since November 2020.

John Rowlinson

Trustee

Born in Islington, John became a member of Islington Boat Club within weeks of it opening.

That led to a lifelong involvement in outdoor pursuits including canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, hill walking, sailing and mountain biking. Working in a variety of roles within the industry from instructor and coach in multiple activities to CEO for a trust delivering outdoor experiences to young people, John is currently Paddlesport Manager at a London based centre, working for a social enterprise.

Having started at IBC he is happy to support them through being a Trustee, knowing the positive impact that it had on his inner city life. John now spends his spare time sea kayaking and printmaking.

Taylor Hawkins

Trustee

Taylor is an experienced financial analyst currently working on a trading desk in the City of London at a global investment bank. He has been doing financial and investment analysis for over ten years and holds honors degrees in Finance, Accounting, and Economics. Taylor relocated to London from the United States in the summer of 2018 and volunteered with the Club to become more involved in the local community.

Taylor enjoys running, reading/audiobooks, and cooking.

Taylor has been a trustee of the Club since June 2020.

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Mark Flashman

Trustee

A digital media consultant, university lecturer, and canoe and kayak coach, Mark has over 20 years of experience managing, developing and implementing digital solutions at the BBC, The British Library, and other international institutions. Mark has an informed understanding of technology relating to the broadcast media, digital archives, and digital asset management. As a member of senior management team at the BBC he developed a broad-ranging knowledge, and experience of, strategic planning, business management, HR, and the responsibilities of a  public-funded organisation. 

Also a proud parent, and enthusiastic cyclist. He has a keen interest in the arts, especially music (reggae in particular) and reading.

Leslie Brantingham

Trustee

A long-time London resident, Leslie recently moved to Wiltshire. A lifelong canoeist, sailor and water sports enthusiast (except stand-up paddle boards!), Leslie has been a trustee with Islington Boat Club for three years and believes strongly that the resilience that comes from self-reliance on the water equips one for all manner of life’s difficulties. Islington Boat Club’s activities have brought benefit to thousands and Leslie and his fellow trustees are determined that this will be the case for the future.

Nicole Dias

Treasurer

Nicole is a Chartered Accountant, with fifteen years’ experience working with clients across finance, regulatory compliance and operations. Over the last ten years she has largely worked with financial institutions in London. Nicole is presently on maternity leave and enjoying her new role as a mum.  

Nicole is looking forward to improving the lives of people in the local community through the club.