Meet our executive team

Vikki Brownridge

Chief Executive

Vikki joined the charity in 2005 and was appointed CEO in 2023. Prior to this, she led the charity's operational teams which provide debt advice and ongoing solution service provision for our clients across the UK. Previously, she has held several senior leadership positions within the charity including Head of Debt Advice where she was instrumental in the launch of the sector's first online debt advice service, and Director of Client Experience where she was responsible for the charity's strategic relationships, business development and funding.

Over the years Vikki has also played an active role in shaping and defining the sector working alongside the Money and Pensions Service, financial services partners and other debt advice organisations. Vikki is also a member of the Credit Strategy Women and Diversity in Credit Steering Committee, and a board member and Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee at the Money Advice Liaison Group.

Charlotte Chambers

Chief Technology & Information Officer

Charlotte joined StepChange in 2023, taking responsibility for Digital and Change Services across the charity. She now leads the organisation's technology, digital strategy and transformation programmes, as well as IT operations and support services that underpin the delivery of both current services and longer-term strategic ambitions.

Charlotte has worked in technology and change for more than 25 years, gaining experience across a range of roles and sectors, including significant time in the retail industry. Throughout her career she has developed a strong commitment to supporting future talent and has led coaching and mentoring initiatives, including the Women in Technology programme at Asda.

Modaser Choudhary

Chief Finance Officer

Modaser joined StepChange in April 2025. He brings over 20-years' multi-sector experience across financial services, consulting, the charity sector and higher education. He has most recently been working as interim Chief Financial Officer for a national mental health charity and a large local authority trading company.

Modaser has significant experience in strategic planning, finance operations and delivering change. He has broad financial, commercial and transformational skills developed in complex organisations both nationally and internationally including Durham University, Benenden Health and AIG. Modaser is a Chartered Accountant having qualified at EY. He has held a number of charity Trustee roles and is currently a Governor at a large regional college group.

Martin Clift

Chief Operating Officer

Martin joined the charity in September 2024 as Chief Operating Officer. He leads all client facing operations, including debt advice and client support services as well resource planning and performance and quality assurance. In addition, he is responsible for the charity's physical estate, facilities, health and safety, and sustainability. He is the Executive Sponsor for digital transformation and client journey optimisation. Martin is passionate about delivering strong client outcomes through digital first, data led, services powered by colleague experts.

Previously Martin has worked in financial services for many years, across several roles, most notably leading mortgage operations for a large retail bank, where he led a number of significant transformation programmes, positively impacting both customer experience and organisational efficiency. Martin is currently a Trustee of Barnsley Hospice.

Richard Lane

Chief Client Officer

From mid 2025, Richard has taken a 12-month sabbatical from the role, which is being covered on an interim basis by Caroline Darnbook.

Richard joined the charity in 2018 and leads the charity's External Affairs and Product and Marketing departments, which covers marketing, policy, campaigning, and communications functions, as well as the design of all StepChange's products and services to meet evolving client need.

Richard has previously worked across the charity sector in a number of roles, notably leading the communications and campaigns teams at the national disability charity, Scope, and working on campaigns and public affairs at the LGBT charity Stonewall. Richard is a Trustee of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation.

Caroline Darnbrook

Interim Chief Client Officer

Caroline joined the charity in 2019 as Head of Marketing and Brand, quickly expanding her remit to include Digital and Product Management. She was appointed as Interim Chief Client Officer in 2025. In this role, Caroline oversees the end-to-end client journey, ensuring services are designed and delivered to meet evolving client needs and deliver long-term positive outcomes, as well as leading the charity's marketing strategy, external affairs, and communications functions.

Prior to joining the charity, Caroline held a number of senior product and marketing roles, including at Darlington Building Society, and National Australia Group Europe. With over 20 years' experience in financial services and client-focused transformation, Caroline brings a deep understanding of brand, digital, and product innovation. She is passionate about designing services that are inclusive, accessible, and impactful for those who need them most.

Alex Pitcher

Chief Risk Officer

Alex joined StepChange in 2023, leading the charity's risk management, governance, legal, data protection, and regulatory compliance functions. His role focuses on ensuring risks to delivering the charity's strategy are effectively managed and that clients receive consistently good outcomes.

Before joining StepChange, Alex developed extensive expertise in risk, compliance, and audit through senior roles at TransUnion, Yorkshire Building Society, PwC, and NatWest. His experience spans financial services, regulatory frameworks, and corporate governance. Alex also contributes to the wider community as Chair of Trustees at C3 Life Church and as a Trustee of Oasis Community Housing, helping shape their direction and support community needs.

Sue Murdoch

Chief People Officer

Sue joined StepChange in June 2025 as Chief People Officer and leads the charity's People and Culture function. Her remit covers HR Services and Advice, HR Business Partnering, Learning and Organisation Development, Reward and Performance, and Employee Engagement, as well as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. She is responsible for shaping a people strategy that supports the charity's culture and long-term organisational goals.

Sue has over 25 years' experience across the full breadth of HR, spanning generalist and specialist roles. Her background includes building and leading HR functions, delivering complex projects and people strategies, and creating agile, commercially focused teams aligned with organisational needs. Before joining StepChange, Sue worked across Telecoms, Professional Services, Financial Services and Banking, including leading HR builds for Bank North and Alba Bank in support of PRA/FCA regulatory approval.

Catherine Smith

Chief of Staff and Company Secretary

Catherine joined the charity in February 2024 as Legal Counsel and Company Secretary, becoming a member of the Executive Team in January 2026 when she was appointed Chief of Staff and Company Secretary. She oversees the charity's governance and legal functions and supports the effectiveness of the Executive Team. As Chief of Staff, Catherine drives alignment across executive priorities, strengthens decision-making, and connects people, priorities and processes to ensure clear communication and coordinated action. She also deputises for, or represents, the Chief Executive on cross-organisational matters.

Catherine's career spans both the charity and education sectors, where she has held roles in governance, project management, process improvement and strategic planning. She is a member of the Chartered Governance Institute, having completed her governance qualifications in 2025, and is currently a Trustee of the Frank Parkinson Yorkshire Trust.