Our Board
Our Board
Gold Network is guided by a Governance Board composed of senior leaders with global expertise spanning mining, refining, responsible sourcing, corporate governance, sustainability, inclusion, and industry standards. Collectively, they bring deep knowledge of the full gold value chain and a shared commitment to advancing ethical, inclusive, and future-focused practices.
The Board supports members by offering strategic guidance across a range of priorities – including stakeholder engagement, sustainability strategies, diversity and inclusion policies, partnership development, reputation and philanthropic initiatives.
Their insight reinforces Gold Network’s role as a trusted, values-led platform dedicated to driving positive impact across the global gold ecosystem.
Professor Michael Mainelli
Board Member
Chairman, Z/Yen Group; President, London Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Professor Michael Mainelli is a globally respected economist, commercial strategist, and thought leader in finance, innovation, and public service. He is Chairman of Z/Yen Group, the City of London’s foremost commercial think tank, and has advised governments, regulators, and institutions around the world on financial innovation, governance, and long-term value creation. Z/Yen is renowned for its Global Financial, Green Finance, and Smart Centres indices, as well as notable ‘firsts’ in technology research.
As President of the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry and former Lord Mayor of London, he has been a leading voice in advancing global trade, sustainability, and responsible business. Michael’s strategic perspective and international experience support Gold Network’s broader mission to foster integrity, excellence, and leadership across the global gold value chain.
Virginie Bahon
Board Member
Leader in Responsible Gold, Social Performance & Strategic Communications
Virginie Bahon is a recognised leader in responsible gold and ESG strategy, with over two decades of experience shaping ethical supply chains and community engagement across the mining and metals sector. She has held senior roles at organisations including Rio Tinto, Valcambi, GE, and BP, where she led initiatives in stakeholder engagement, ASM sourcing, and sustainable development.
Virginie served on the board of the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) and acted as a strategic advisor to the Swiss Better Gold Association (SBGA). Her work continues to influence global policy and industry practice, with a strong focus on transparency, inclusion, and cross-sector collaboration.
Dr. Zaheer Ahmad MBE
Board Member
DEI Champion, Culture Leader, Board Advisor
Dr. Zaheer Ahmad MBE is a globally recognised authority on diversity, equity, and inclusive leadership. Currently serving as Head of Unifying Culture at BDO UK, he also advises major institutions including the Premier League, Toyota Motor Europe, and the British Academy of Management
Widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most influential DEI leaders, Dr. Ahmad brings decades of experience in transforming culture, building inclusive strategies, and embedding accountability at the highest levels of leadership. As a board member of Gold Network, Dr. Ahmad reinforces our commitment to equity, ethics, and meaningful transformation across the gold value chain.
Jack Garrett-Jones
Board Member
Expert in Central Bank Gold, Market Infrastructure & Global Bullion Custody
Jack Garrett-Jones is a recognised authority on global gold bullion with particular expertise in central bank gold, stemming from his tenure as Head of Notes and Gold at the Bank of England and as the Bank’s observer on the LBMA Physical Committee. His experience is grounded in direct leadership of the Bank of England’s gold operations, the world’s largest tradable vaulting and custody service. He oversaw the management of around 5,000 tonnes of gold for more than 70 government customers, ensuring secure custody and access to the most liquid gold market in the world.
Earlier in his career, Jack led the Bank’s Strategy Team and held senior roles in financial markets policy and infrastructure, including representing the UK in international forums such as the Basel Committee and the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures.
A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley (MBA), Jack now works with organisations across the global gold market to strengthen gold’s position as a modern, institutional-grade asset class for central banks and long-term investors.