Until recently Sandy, Lord Leitch, was Chairman and Chief Executive of UKISA/Asia Pacific Division and Head of Zurich financial Services Global Life business. He has had extensive experience as a chairman (eg Threadneedles Asset Management, Eagle Star, Dunbar Bank, etc) and his responsibilities have spanned 30 countries and covered almost every area in financial services. He is a Non-Executive Director at United Business Media plc, Lloyds TSB and Paternoster. He is also Chairman of Intrinsic Financial Services and since November 2006 Lord Leitch has been Chairman of BUPA.

Sandy has devoted time and energy to improving Society and presently chairs the National Employment Panel and is also Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Education Fund. “The Leitch Review of Skills in the UK” is an independent review advising Government on how to define and reach the optimal mix of skills in the country by 2020.

Married to Noelle and with three daughters from his first marriage he has homes in London, Edinburgh and Zurich. He is a keen follower of Dunfermline Athletic when time permits. He was elevated to the peerage in 2004.

“Stem cell research will provide the most wonderful opportunity to overcome some of the most insuperable health conditions. The Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation is such a worthy cause in that ambitious quest”.