Meet Hilary Evans, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Research UK

Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Research UK

Hilary Evans

"Don't put yourself under too much pressure and try not to worry what others think of you."

Tell me about your childhood?

I had an outdoorsy childhood with lots of adventures, and grew up in a home full of love and big ideas!

In a nutshell, what is Alzheimer’s Research UK?

Alzheimer’s Research UK is one of the UK’s leading medical research charities. Our mission is to deliver breakthroughs by funding and carrying out pioneering research, and we campaign and collaborate with governments, funders, industries and people affected by dementia to find effective treatments. As a charity, we rely on our supporters to raise funds to commit to research projects in the UK and across the globe. We also campaign to raise awareness of dementia and fight the stigma that is still associated with this disease.

Run us through your typical work day?

My days vary hugely, which I love. One day I might be in the office with my team planning and preparing new projects and the next I’ll be out at events speaking to our supporters, doing TV and media interviews about a campaign or research story, and then at a meeting or a dinner speaking to people about our work.

Tell me about your most memorable career high?

Being the Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK has been a career high from day one. It’s an organisation that is close to my heart and also one that is doing fantastic work to deliver breakthroughs in a disease that is the biggest societal health challenge we face.

What piece of career advice would you give your 20 year old self?

Have more confidence in yourself and what you can do!

What is your go-to workwear style?

If I’m spending the day in the office then I go for comfy dresses or wide-legged trousers and flowing tops. For days when I am in external meetings all day I usually opt for a smart dress – something that can go from formal meetings in the City to events in the evening.