Meet the Deputy Lieutenants
Mark Ansell DL – A Chartered Mechanical Engineer who has spent his whole working life in manufacturing industry around the UK, currently chairman of Powervault Limited. The third generation of his family to live in North Devon, a keen supporter of local wildlife and environmental charities and chairman of North Devon Cricket Club.
The Right Honourable The Countess of Arran MBE, VLL- Currently Vice Lord-Lieutenant. Keen supporter of both the Rural community and voluntary sector in North Devon.
Robin Barlow DL- Robin has lived in Devon for nearly 45 years. As well as his business interests, works with a number of charities, has been involved in the Devon magistracy and served as High Sheriff of Devon in 2012/13
Kate Baylis DL – Kate is a barrister and KC specialising in the financial /international aspects of Family Law, with an earlier career in investment banking. She lives with her family on Dartmoor and now oversees the family tourist attraction at Canonteign Falls. She is also a trustee for St Petrock’s (Exeter) Ltd, Exeter Cathedral Music Foundation Trust and The American Friends of Exeter Cathedral.
Richard Bayly DL- Richard retired from the Civil Service in 2012 after 38 years which included 13 years in the Government Office for the South West based in Plymouth
Philip Bostock OBE, DL – For 16 years Philip was Chief Executive of Exeter City Council and is now Chair of Exeter College. He and his family have lived for many years in Exeter and now live in Mid Devon.
Clare Broom DL – Clare has lived and worked in Devon for over 20 years. She had an academic career and retired as Deputy Vice Chancellor from the University of Plymouth. She is involved nationally and locally with conservation charities and has served as a Board member of the National Trust.
Lady (Mary) Burnell-Nugent DL- Mary has lived and worked in Devon for 40 years. She is a doctor and specialises in Palliative Medicine. She enjoys working with people and charities, particularly supporting and working with several hospices, the Devon Historic Churches Trust, her local churches and countryside issues.
Michael Caines MBE DL – Truly loyal to his home country of Devon, Chef Owner of Lympstone Manor Hotel Michael Caines has spent his life-long career building his reputation on distinctive modern cuisine, celebrating local ingredients from the most fruitful larder in the UK. Holding two Michelin Stars for a consecutive 18 years, cooking for our Prime Minister and other big names in the world of celebrity and sport, Michael still manages to appear regularly on popular television and radio shows, as well as contributing significantly to his local communities and various charities in which he is associated with. Michael is proud to be Devonshire and encourages those in the community to enjoy all that the county has to offer
Lady Cave DL (Carey) – Carey has lived and raised a family in East Devon since 1984 and today oversees the managing of her family’s agricultural and property business. She is a keen supporter of local and county charities, a Vice President of the Devon Red Cross, and a council member of The Devon County Agricultural Association
Rear Admiral Ric Cheadle CB, DL – Lives in West Devon. Career in the Royal Navy as a submariner; now active in local affairs as an elected Councillor. Past President of The Royal British Legion and now President of SSAFA (Plymouth) with particular interest in military issues.
Captain the Right Hon Lord Clifford of Chudleigh DL – Patron or Trustee of many Devon charities including Sense Southwest, Shaldon Wildlife Trust and Devon & Cornwall SSAFA. President Teignmouth RNLI, President Chudleigh Scouts, Patron Lower Teign Fishing Association, Patron Cheshire Home, St. Mary’s, Torquay, Patron of ABF Soldiers Charity. Particularly interested in the responsible preservation of the heritage of Devon.
Lady (Clarissa) Clifford DL – Born in Devon, Clarissa recently stepped down from her professional career of many years as an Interior Designer, having worked on projects throughout the UK and Overseas. She has been involved in various local charities with particular interest in the preservation of historic buildings and encouraging small groups of volunteers. Clarissa is Patron of Hospiscare and served as High Sheriff in 2008/9.
Group Captain Gordon Evans DL – Lives in Teignmouth. Retired RAF and civil aviation pilot; commanded 28 and 230 Squadrons, then Boeing airliners, including B787 Dreamliner. Now active with numerous charities, particularly National Coast Watch Institution. Rugby and heritage railway enthusiast, especially South Devon Railway.
The Hon Charles Fane Trefusis DL- Lives in East Devon and works on the family estate as well as Director and Chairman of other land based companies. Has particular interests which include farming, forestry conservation and rural issues.
Jim French DL – Jim retired in 2014 after 43 years in Commercial Aviation, culminating as Chairman and CEO of FlyBE. Former Chair of CBI South West. Chair of Calvert Trust Exmoor. Assisted in the development of Exeter Mathematics School, NED of RAF100 Appeal – a JV formed by RAF and the four RAF Charities.
Interested in farming, the renovation of period properties and a supporter of several charities which focus on disability and Stem Based education and apprenticeships.
Deborah Hallett DL – Lives in East Devon on a family farm near Exmouth. Former voluntary roles include: Chairman of Rolle Exmouth Ltd, Industrial & Provident Society and Chair of the Exeter University Alumnae Association. Deborah’s professional career incorporated many years in the commercial sector, working across Europe and Russia for leading companies in the Food, Pharmaceutical and Technology Services sectors. Deborah moved to Devon in 1997 when she took on the role of Head of Commercial Practice for a FTSE 250 Consulting firm, subsequently establishing her own strategic consulting practice.
Stephen Hindley CBE, DL – Steve has over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry at both project and company board level and is a Chartered Civil Engineer and a Fellow of both the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Building and an eminent member of RICS. He is a former Chair of the CBI Construction Council and also it’s South West Regional Council. Steve completed 6 years as Chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Council and Devon Community Foundation in 2020. He currently has a number of business and charity interests
Vice Admiral Sir Richard Ibbotson KBE, CB, DSC, DL- After a career in the Royal Navy Sir Richard has taken on many roles including Chairman of Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, Member of RNLI, President of Historical Diving Society amongst others. Particular interests involve military charities, healthcare and local groups.
Philip Jenkinson DL – Philip is a retired solicitor who served many years in Local Government, latterly as Chief Executive of Devon County Council. He has a particular interest in educational matters locally.
Mary King MBE, DL – is a British equestrian who competes in eventing. She has represented Great Britain at six Olympics from 1992 to 2012, winning team silver in 2004 and 2012, and team bronze in 2008. At the World Equestrian Games, she won team gold in 1994 and 2010, and team silver in 2006. She has also won four team golds and one team bronze medal at the European Eventing Championships.
Dame Suzi Leather DBE, MBE, DL – Although born in Africa, Suzi has lived on and off in Devon since she was six, attended schools in Plymouth and Tavistock. Graduated from Exeter University. Married with 3 adult children, she works predominantly in the public and charitable sectors and has specialised in food, health and ethics and regulation.
John Lee OBE DL – Was born and has lived in Mid Devon all his life and is passionate about people and organisations that support the county. As well as personal land-based interests, he is chairman of Mole Avon Trading Ltd, South West Lakes Trust, The Farmers Club London, Devon County Agricultural Association Board , Westpoint Centre Devon Ltd and is President, Patron, Chairman or Trustee of a number of organisations including The Rural Youth Trust ,Devon and Cornwall Voluntary Police Cadets and Exeter Cathedral Council. He was previously Chairman of Governors at Bicton College and served as High Sheriff of Devon in 2013/14.
Heleen Lindsay-Fynn DL – B. Sc. graduate of the College of Estate Management, London University. Married with four children. Vice President of the Devon Red Cross since 1983, supporter of several local charities including the Devon County Show, National Gardens scheme & Amber Foundation. Hon. Patron of RAMM and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners. High Sheriff 2017/2018. Strong family ties with the Netherlands and Ireland. Leisure activities include skiing, sailing, cycling
The Hon Sarah Lopes DL – Sarah has lived and farmed in the South Hams for over forty years. She is married with three married children and grandchildren. She has always been involved in voluntary work and is President, Vice President, Patron and Trustee of various charities both locally and nationally, including the Devon Red Cross, Royal British Legion Devon, and the Atlantic Salmon Trust. She has family business interests in the north of Scotland and served as High Sheriff of Devon in 2011/2012.
William Michelmore DL- Born in Exeter, after moving away for school and university became a solicitor in 1984. Returned to Exeter in 1986 to join the family firm of Michelmores as a 5th generation lawyer. Retired as an active lawyer in 2018. Also 5th generation of the founder of St Austell Brewery Co Ltd and now its non-executive chairman. Director of Bricks Finance Ltd.
Anthony Mildmay-White DL- Anthony lives near Plymouth and has worked as a director of the Community Council Of Devon, Devon County Agricultural Association, Newton Abbot Races Limited, Devon & Exeter Steeplechases. Chairman of the Hallsands Housing Society, Chairman of the Sir Francis Chichester Trust, and Chairman of the Exeter Cathedral Preservation Trust.
Commodore Jake Moores OBE, DL – Jake served in the Royal Navy as a submariner; he then commanded Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and the Devonport Flotilla before retiring to be a consultant.
Lord Ivar Mountbatten DL – Lord Ivar manages a traditional rural estate in the Mid Devon, the Grade 1 listed house being utilised as an exclusive use wedding venue.
Mark Parkhouse DL- Mark has lived & worked in North Devon most of his adult life. He is married with two children and runs the family jewellers from his premises in Barnstaple High Street.
Stephen Pearce QPM, DL- Steve a former senior Devon and Cornwall Police Officer, lives in the Derriford area of Plymouth and has a number of charity and volunteering interests throughout the City.
Grania Phillips DL – Grania has farmed in North Devon for over 30 years where she and her husband run a pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devons. She serves on the councils of Devon County Show, North Devon Show and Devon Cattle Breeders Society. She is committed to sustainable farming, and connecting people to the countryside. Before moving to Devon she worked as a Clinical Psychologist and maintains an interest in and commitment to mental health issues. She is also a trustee of Veterans Outdoors and is Honorary Colonel of the Devon ACF.
Nick Powe DL – lives in Torquay and runs the prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern. He is a board director of VisitDevon and patron of the Devon Cave Rescue Organisation. He is responsible for Torbay’s prestigious UNESCO Geopark designation, chairing the management organisation. He is bi-lingual (French) and an accomplished tour guide and public speaker. Prior to moving back to Torbay in 2000 he trained as a Chartered Accountant with EY and held international roles with Dalgety, Spillers and Nestlé.
Mary Quicke MBE, DL – CEO Quicke’s Traditional Ltd integrated cheesemaking and farming family business. 250t traditional clothbound cheese/year. 670 cows pasture based in 2 calving blocks. Founder Academy of Cheese, a certification scheme whose aim is cheese sold for value not price. Judge at various cheese competitions, including American Cheese Society. Food Standard Agency Board Member (2017-2020), Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board Dairy Sector Council Member, Chairman of Council, Devon County Agricultural Association (2015-2022)
Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Ridgway KBE, CB, DL – Served in the Army for 38 years; then appointed Her Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor in Jersey. On return to Devon he took over as Chair of the Confederation of Service Charities and as a Judicial Appointments Commissioner. Now President of SSAFA Devon and Chair of the Tank Museum
The Hon. John Rous DL- Following a financial career in London, have developed the tourism business, in the fishing village of Clovelly, which has been in his family ownership for many generations.
His Honour Erik Salomonsen DL worked in Devon as a solicitor and later a Circuit Judge. He retired as a Judge in July 2018 and now serves as a member of the Parole Board. His three children were all educated in the County and the family have lived in the South Hams West Devon and in Mid Devon. He is a trustee of the Exeter Leukaemia Fund.
Rear Admiral Chris Snow CBE, DL- had a 35 year career in the Royal Navy. His final posting was based in Plymouth as Flag Officer Sea Training. Chris is President of Devon County British Legion and President of Plymouth (Drake) Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets. He was a past Chair of Governors at Mount Kelly, Tavistock and a Non-executive Director for Northern Devon Healthcare. Chris is Chair of the Lieutenancy Honours and Appointments Committee.
His Grace, The Duke of Somerset DL- Manages a traditional rural Devon Estate in the South Hams. Also a member of the House of Lords; Elected to the Crossbenches.
Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope GCB, OBE, DL – Resident in Exton, Admiral Sir Mark is a former First Sea Lord and retains much professional and charitable interest in the Royal Navy and in particular its home in Devon.
Richard Stevens DL – Richard was born in North Devon, and has lived and worked all over Devon and Cornwall. Richard Stevens career is in public transport where he started out as a bus driver in 1989; He was appointed Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus in May 2012. He previously served as Operations & Commercial Director for Stagecoach South West. In addition, Richard is the current chair of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce; chair of the Plymouth Area Business Council, chair of the Plymouth Growth Board. He is Chair of Governor’s for City College Plymouth and chair of All Saints Academy in Plymouth. As a Heart of the South West LEP board member Richard Chairs the business leadership group, is deputy chair of the Strategic Investment Panel. Richard is also a director of Destination Plymouth; In his spare time Richard enjoys Sailing and Rugby.
Sir Henry Studholme Bt. DL – Sir Harry is a landowner, farmer and forester living to the west of Exeter. He is a Chartered Accountant and an accredited mediator. Among his other activities he is the Chairman of the Forestry Commission (England & Scotland); chairman of the FTSE listed Phaunos Timber Fund and chairman of the William Robinson Gravetye Charity.
Adrian Vinken OBE DL – A Plymouth resident whose later cultural career became rooted in the south west, Adrian is currently CEO of the Theatre Royal Plymouth and chairs the international Mayflower 400 Compact, Destination Plymouth and the Touring Partnership. He was previously chair of Culture South West and the National Association of Art Centres. He has been a keen mountaineer and enjoys trekking wilderness areas including Dartmoor.
Mrs Christina Williams DL – She lives in North Devon and currently sits on the board of the Exmoor Society and the landscape advisory and historic environment boards of the Exmoor National Park. Furthermore, Christina is the Director of the Badgworthy Land Company and a member of the Prince’s Council. She now chairs the Graze the Moor project on Molland Moor and she is interested in the environment, farming and gardening.
Brian Wills-Pope MBE, DL, – Brian is a businessman in the floristry industry with shops in Torbay. He is the Chairman of the British Florist Association and Board member of Florist the International Florist Association. Vice Chairman of the Farringdon trust. Former appointments, World President of Interflora, Chairman of the National Grammar Schools Association, Chairman Torquay Boys’ Grammar School.
Brigadier Simon Young CBE, DL- Served 38 years in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, now lives in Saltash and spends most of his time, when not involved with charity work, painting watercolours.
