My friend Christopher Roles, who has died aged 63 of glioblastoma, was head of the UK-based charity Age International from 2012 to 2022. It supports older people around the world, including through humanitarian responses to disasters and emergencies.
He brought to that position a characteristic combination of calm authority, moral clarity and quiet humour that left a lasting mark on colleagues and friends – qualities that also led him to become a valued member of organisations in other settings. He served on the BBC Appeals Committee and was a trustee of the Disasters Emergency Committee until his retirement in 2022, when he took up trustee roles at Winchester Cathedral, Wesley House Cambridge and the Pensions Trust.
Chris was born in Southampton to Margaret (nee Pragnell), a piano teacher and organist, and her husband, Bill, a research chemist. He grew up immersed in the musical and spiritual life of his local Methodist church, and those roots profoundly shaped his life.
After attending King Edward VI school in Southampton he studied history and economics at Pembroke College, Oxford, later adding an MBA from the London Business School. He began his career in fundraising at ActionAid, later taking senior roles at Christian Aid (1989), the Royal College of Music (1995), YMCA England (1997) and as chief executive at Y-Care International (2004). He brought strategic thinking and deep ethical conviction to each role.
Chris wore his achievements lightly, bringing wisdom, kindness, empathy and a gentle wit to every setting. He enjoyed reading, watching cricket and football, and spending time with his family.
In 1992 he married Penny Prestage. She survives him, along with their children, Ollie, Sam and Miranda, and his sister Elizabeth.
