Claire Horton CBE

Since January 2021, Claire has been Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The CWGC is the inter-governmental body responsible for the care and upkeep of the graves and memorials of 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth Forces, who died in the first and second World Wars. Previously, Claire was the Chief Executive Officer of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (2010-2021).

A chief executive for 21 years and board member for 25 years in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, key areas of work are creating and building partnerships and strategic alliances, business turnaround, income generation, brand development and organisational growth. Claire works across the UK and the Commonwealth, with Governments and multiple stakeholders from the public, private and third sectors on major change, sustainable development and innovation projects. She holds the Silver Medal of Jan Masaryk for her contribution to the development of Czech-British relations.

A career-long advocate for bringing history to life through story telling; Claire recognises that through access to information and learning, knowledge is gained, understanding is forged, opinions valued and ideals are shaped. She holds an MBA from Warwick Business School and in 2015 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Laws) from the University of Roehampton for services to welfare and the community.

Claire is a Fellow of the RSA and the Institute of Directors; a Member of the Roehampton University Development Board and a mentor to a number of young and aspiring leaders in the voluntary and public sectors. Claire was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours, for services to animal welfare. She remains Vice President of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and a proud advocate for animal welfare.

Back to Our people