Lisa Barge appointed Chair of the British Mountaineering Council

Lisa brings three decades of senior leadership experience in the legal profession, including her current role as Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution at a leading global law firm. A partner of the firm since 2007, she has led large, diverse teams across the UK and previously served a three-year term on the firm’s international Board.

Lisa is a passionate climber, hill walker, and mountaineer. In 2023, she summited Mount Everest and has completed expeditions to major peaks around the world including Denali, Aconcagua and Mont Blanc. She is currently training to become a Mountain Leader.

A long-standing BMC member (and an avid reader of Summit magazine!), Lisa is committed to widening participation in the outdoors. Coming from a working-class background, she is passionate about ensuring access for all and creating opportunities for people to experience the mental and physical benefits of climbing, hill walking and mountaineering.

Lisa said:

“I have been lucky enough to climb high altitude mountains all around the world but my journey into the hills started with the Duke of Edinburgh award as a teenager. A passion for climbing hills ensued and I spend as much time as I can hill walking, rock climbing and mountaineering.

The BMC is an amazing organisation of which I feel deeply honoured to be part. I relish this fantastic opportunity to lead the Board and work with Paul Ratcliffe, the directors and council to ensure the success of the BMC for many years to come.

With the recent strategy launch and so many interesting events ahead this year, it is an exciting time to take up my post.

Paul Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of the BMC, said:

“It’ an exciting period for the BMC and we are delighted to welcome Lisa as our new Chair to help lead us through our new 2030 Strategy.  Lisa, throughout her career has shown strong leadership and governance skills and together with her mountaineering experience and passion for our activities will help us strengthen the BMC for our members and the wider community.

“Over the past two years we have been through a significant period of change, and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Interim Chair, Hanne Doherty, who has expertly led in the Chair role for the past 8 months. Through Hanne’s leadership and her passion to support our members, she has helped us move together to develop our new strategy, increase our membership in clubs, improve governance, and strengthen our financial position”.

Hanne Doherty will now move from her position as Independent Director into the role of Senior Independent Director.