Vanessa is a Non Executive Director, Chair of the Authorisation, Conduct and Rules Committee and member of the Risk and Audit Committee of ICE Futures Europe, a Non Executive Director and member of the Audit and Risk committee of Companies House and a Non Executive Director and member of the Audit and Remuneration and Nomination committees of Newable.

She is a Council Member and Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee of Goldsmiths College, University of London and she is a Trustee of the creative arts charity Create. She undertakes a legal and governance advisory role for the Food and Drink Federation and independent advisory work for other businesses mainly in regulated sectors, sometimes in collaboration with other firms.

Vanessa studied law at Southampton University and trained as a City solicitor specializing in international and shipping law, serving global clients attracted to the City of London for its legal and insurance expertise.

She moved to KPMG in 1996 and was soon made the firm’s first UK General Counsel and a partner. She was instrumental in the 2009 European merger (the first of its kind permitted by European regulatory change) and was appointed General Counsel of KPMG Europe LLP in addition to her UK role. Vanessa established a reputation as a trusted adviser leading on risk and reputation management, structural and governance reforms in this heavily regulated industry. As Board Secretary she managed the firm’s governance bodies, as well as building and leading her own team of around 40 professionals. She also acted as Compliance Officer to the separately regulated legal services part of the firm.

Outside of work she is a Member of the International Womens Forum, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), and has been a Member of the Advisory Council of Eversheds. She is also a silversmith and jeweller, exhibiting nationally, as well as a horserider and sailor.