Independent Trustee Director
Pronouns:
He/Him
Hello, I'm
JP
With extensive experience in marketing, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement, JP now applies his expertise to advisory roles, helping organisations navigate growth, transformation, and governance challenges.
His work as a trustee reflects a strong commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility, supporting initiatives that drive meaningful impact. JP’s career is defined by entrepreneurial vision, operational excellence, and a passion for fostering dynamic, high-performing teams.
Whether guiding boards or mentoring leadership teams, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to every role he undertakes. He is a former chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (NW Board) and a member of the Government Panel developing the T-Level in Marketing.
Outside of work, JP tries to keep fit, takes on the odd physical challenge to raise money for cancer and stroke charities, helps run a community choir, and, with the help of Julie (his wife), continues to support his grown-up children and wider family.
A few fun facts about me...
If I wasn't a Partner I'd love to be...
A travel writer and photographer
The best thing about my job is...
Using my experiences to help teams navigate challenges
My favourite place to be is...
Swimming, sailing or cycling on/around Lake Windermere
Not many people know that...
I was once a backing singer for Barry Manilow
A few fun facts about me...
'This' or 'That' questions...
Chocolate or cheese?
Sunny or snowy?
Country or town?
Coffee or tea?
Cats or dogs?
Early bird or night owl?
'This' or 'That' questions...
Our Managing Director, Alastair Gleed, and several of our board members are founding figures of DJS Research, having joined in the early post-shed era of the company (intrigued... read about ‘the shed’) and have been in research since the previous millennium! In Spring 2024 we introduced a new scheme to bring fresh thinking and new energy into our boardroom, welcoming three new board members on a rotational basis. Both the initiative and the new members of the team were warmly received, and it's already paid dividends as the trio have had a hugely positive impact company-wide.
Alasdair Gleed
Managing
Director
Charlotte Sykes
Research Director
Gill Redfern
Research Director
James Hinde
Research Director
Matt Coulling
Operations Director
Rich Slater
Finance Director
Sharon Nichols
Research Director
Simon Driver
Research Director
Our company founder, and former Managing Director, Danny Sims, sits on the Trust Board, continuing to share his knowledge and experience garnered from over 30 years in market research. Financial oversight is provided by Finance Director, Rich Slater, while HR Manager, Lucy Pawson, champions the voice of our people through EO Voice – our employee council which represents the views and interests of everyone across the company and provides a direct route to both company boards. Our external Independent Trustee Director, John-Paul Simpson, provides an important and entirely neutral perspective on company matters and brings invaluable employee ownership expertise from his own business. His role is to protect employee interests, uphold company values, and ensure accountability across leadership.
Danny Sims
Chairman
Rich Slater
Finance Director
Lucy Pawson
Employee Trustee
Director (HR Manager)
John-Paul Simpson
Independent Trustee
Director