Meet the team

Christine Hodgson is Chair of Severn Trent Plc and Whitbread Plc, both FTSE 100 companies. She spent 22 years at Capgemini, where she was Chair of the UK business, the Global Chief CSR officer and a member of the Group Executive Committee. Christine was the Senior Independent Director of Standard Chartered PLC before stepping down in January 2023 after nine years. Christine is an external board adviser for Spencer Stuart, Chair of Newton, a consultancy specialising in strategy delivery and operational efficiency, and the chair of council of Loughborough University. Christine is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Christine has a First Class Bachelor of Science honours degree in Accounting & Financial Management, and an honorary doctorate, from Loughborough University. She was awarded a CBE for services to Education in January 2020. Christine is a fellow of Business in the Community, and a member of the King’s Seeing is Believing Council.

Richard has a 35 year career in retail and consumer businesses, as a CFO, CEO and Chair. His first management buyout took place in 1989, and since then he has worked for public and private household names including Laura Ashley, Wetherspoons, Bulmers, RAC, Morrisons and the Coop. His last Executive role was as CEO of the Coop, which he turned around following its near failure caused by trouble in its banking subsidiary. He now has a plural career Chairing Boards and coaching Founders, and until recently was the Lead Non Executive at the Department for Education, where he established Skills England at the request of the new Government. A past Chair of the British Retail Consortium, he established and still Chairs the Retail Sector Council, a body which operates under the auspices of the Department for Business and brings together Government, Business and the Trades Unions to promote the health of the retail sector.

Matt is the Executive Chair and Co-Founder of consumer and retail specialist investment and advisory firm True. With significant assets under management spanning venture capital, private equity and public equities and its own proprietary strategy, value creation and technology business advising the likes of Walmart, ABF, Haleon, TJX Inc, Warner Brothers Discovery, Primark and M&S, True has a unique business model and perspective with investments across the capital spectrum.

Paul Cocker, CEO & Co-Founder True. As CEO Paul oversees all aspects of True’s operations but has a particular focus on the private equity business. He has sat on the board of 12 high growth retail/ consumer businesses/brands over the last 18 years. He has particular expertise in digital retail and has been involved at board level across a wide spectrum of industry verticals including apparel, home, consumer technology, health & fitness and FMCG. Paul also leads True’s ESG initiatives which has included partnerships with the Centre for Social Justice, Universify, the Careers & Enterprise Company as well as driving True’s B-Corp Certification, which was achieved in 2021.

Liam leads True’s advisory practice. A trusted partner of ambitious consumer and retail leaders, Liam has 20 years of international experience spanning M&A, new venture building, technology partnerships, startup studios, innovation-focused joint ventures and new business line development for some of the world's best loved brands.

Mark McClennon is a senior technology and transformation leader with over 35 years' experience helping major organisations use technology to drive growth, resilience and change. As a Senior Advisor to True, Mark helps clients and portfolio companies cut through technology hype, make sharper strategic choices and build organisations ready for the future.

Prior to joining True in 2021, Ejike was a Director at Centricus, leading investments into branded consumer and media companies in Europe and the US.

Mike is Portfolio Manager for the True Public Fund. His career has taken in posts at PwC (working with the likes of BAT, Glaxo, SAB and Associated Newspapers) and Cazenove, where he led advisory relationships with Tesco and Booker, and the IPOs of Burberry and Inditex. Mike joined True from UBS, where he advised Sainsbury’s and Greggs and led Ocado’s IPO. Prior to his current role leading True Public, Mike built True’s Advisory business, overseeing relationships with corporate Partners including Shell, Coca Cola Europacific Partners, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, TJX Inc, M&S, Walgreens and many more industry giants.

“Often spinning many plates, Vikesh is a great multitasker who always makes time to help everyone across the True team.”

“Will is a strong and inspirational leader who joins commercial insight with operational expertise to drive value. This includes challenging convention to ensure our companies remain ahead of the competition.’

"Zillah‘s vast experience will be hugely valuable in helping True and our existing and future portfolio companies."

"Richard is a believer and investor in people, he has built a long and successful entrepreneurial and investment career out of it. His positivity flows through True and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him"

"Mike is highly effective and unflappable: a Zen Buddhist monk in investors' clothing (Patagonia gilet)."

"Joe is incredibly smart, thoughtful, determined, and usually one step ahead of everyone else in the room. Aspirations include working out with Chris Hemsworth."

“Cool as a cucumber, you’ll find Kishen calm and poised in the face of any challenges. He is great to work with as he loves being challenged and challenging others, which has led to some cracking ideas and solutions. Also as a natural team player, you can always count on him!”

"Olivia is a proactive whirlwind of energy, brilliance, and positivity! Juggling multiple projects is her superpower, all while keeping the mood high. She is your best bet if you want to organise amazing events or if you need the scoop on the hottest new restaurant/bar (and she can do so in five languages)!"

"Corin is one of the most reliable, resilient, and supportive members of our team. Her quick Irish wit and abundance of intelligence make her an absolute pleasure to work with. Whether you need advice on a piece of work, inspiration for your next meal prep recipe or an update on the newest TikTok trend, Corin is your girl!"

"Dieko can usually be heard screaming for fouls after pirouetting past players for our 5-a-side team… as well as giggling at every single joke told in the office. He brings a bundle of energy, but is meticulous and efficient when it comes to the numbers."

“Nathan is pivotal in raising our ESG standards and the first Kiwi who isn’t rugby obsessed — coincidentally he’s the also nicest Kiwi I’ve met.”

“I’ve known Owen since before True — he’s a genuinely sound guy who uses the adjective ‘dreamy’ more than anyone I know.”

“Oscar’s a delight to work with, he loves data and analysis but will always combine this with a smile to get the best result for everyone.”

"Having spent most of her career in the consumer sector, Rachel has fantastic insight and her views are always hugely valued internally and externally."

“Serena is a fantastic team member to work with, and as a leader at True enables our people to perform at their best.”

Nicole’s sharp wit can win anyone over - she’s an experienced traveller and one of the most analytical people I know! She’s always willing to see the other side of a story and the first person I’d call to organise my life.

Noa is a vibrant and dependable team member who reliably lifts the mood with her good vibes. She also has an astonishing ability to thrive when she is 20 pages deep into a research document on a niche technology area.

"Camille is the perfect engine room of the VC team - energetic, organised, efficient, and always with a smile."

“Rich’s vigorous passion for consumer brands and working with the teams that build them is infectious and always brightens the days of those around him.”