The modern NED landscape: building your portfolio career

Pathway to becoming a non-executive director (NED) for Imperial alumni

Many leaders are exploring portfolio careers that offer flexibility, impact, and the chance to bring their expertise to boards as Non‑Executive Directors (NEDs).

We’re delighted to invite you to an in‑person event designed specifically for mid to late career alumni who are curious about the evolving NED landscape. Whether you’re actively considering board roles or simply exploring what’s possible, this is a valuable opportunity to gain clarity, inspiration, and practical guidance.

Attendees can look forward to a memorable evening of in‑person networking, exclusive insights through a panel discussion, and refreshments following the conversation.

What to expect

Join our panel of Imperial alumni as they discuss:

• How NED responsibilities and expectations are changing
• What boards are looking for today
• Practical steps to begin shaping a portfolio career

This is the first of two events that we are hosting with Virtual NonExecs, a leading platform for non-executive directors, offering unparalleled access to board opportunities and career-development tools.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for alumni with established professional experience who are:

• Considering a future career pivot
• Interested in contributing their expertise at board level
• Curious about portfolio careers and the journey to becoming a NED

Why Attend?

You’ll leave with:

• Insights from people who’ve walked this path
• A clearer understanding of whether a NED career is right for you
• Practical next steps to move forward
• New connections within the Imperial alumni community

About the Chair

Chris Beevers is Head of Search at VirtualNonExecs.com (VNXD), the digital-first platform connecting PE and VC houses, family offices and high-growth businesses with value-add board talent. In this role, he leads the search proposition for investors and scale-ups seeking exceptional non-executive directors and advisors.

With a career spanning executive search, commercial consultancy and business leadership, Chris brings a broad commercial perspective to the board talent market. He has developed a deep network across the UK’s private equity and venture capital communities, advising investors and management teams on aligning board-level talent with commercial objectives.

Alongside his work at VNXD, Chris is a co-founder and Non-Executive Director of Ocular Systems, a deep-tech spinout from Newcastle University.

Alumni Panellists

Dr Joanne Wade OBE (Chemistry 1987; Environmental Technology 1988, 1996) – Independent Advisor and NED.  Joanne is a non-exec Director and Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee at the Energy Saving Trust, Chair of the Stakeholder Advisory Board for Elexon’s flexibility market facilitator, a member of UK Power Networks DSO Supervisory Board, Trustee at the Energy Saving Trust Foundation, and Chair of the UK Energy Research Centre Advisory Board.  Her career of 30+ years in the energy sector has included roles in consultancy, academia and trade bodies, with a focus on the demand side of the energy system, local energy systems and energy equity.  Throughout her career, Joanne has combined paid work with voluntary Committee and Trustee roles with organisations including the Energy Institute, the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and the eaga Charitable Trust.

Dr Rachna Upadhya (MBBCh. MRCGP. DFFP. MBA. DIC). A senior leader with a unique career spanning healthcare, global finance, and board-level governance. A qualified medical doctor turned Managing Director in several leading international investment banks, she has built deep expertise in strategy, regulation, and transformation within highly regulated sectors. She has held CEO-level roles in international financial institutions, managed a 2.5bn investment fund and brings extensive experience in governance, risk oversight, and organisational change. Passionate about inclusion and social impact, she has championed diversity throughout her career. She currently serves in advisory and non-executive capacities, drawing on her cross-sector perspective to support organisations navigating complexity and growth.

Ron Mobed (MSc. Petroleum Engineering, 1987) has a strong record of growing and transforming businesses through innovation and a focus on customer needs. He has extensive U.S. and international experience in the energy and information sectors, particularly in digital transformation. He is Vice Chair and Supervisory Board Member of Fugro N.V., and a non‑executive director at Ordnance Survey. He also serves as a Lay Member of Court at the University of Dundee and is a Trustee of the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE). Previously, he was Chair of Robert Walters PLC and a non‑executive director at FTSE100 company Aveva PLC.

Katie Whipp (Executive MBA) is a commercially focused transformation leader operating at the intersection of real estate, technology and sustainability. As Chief Business Officer at re:sustain, she is scaling a global, early-stage energy optimisation business. With over 17 years’ experience, including roles at CBRE, Cluttons and Deepki, she has built and scaled high-growth businesses and led large-scale, board-level transformation programmes, working closely with boards, senior leadership teams, asset managers and institutional capital. 

Alongside her executive role, Katie serves as a Non-Executive Director and Board Advisor to emerging technology businesses. She mentors rising talent at City, University of London, and is completing an Executive MBA at Imperial College Business School, where she was awarded the Inspiring Women Scholarship.