LEADERSHIP TEAM
Amir Afkhami, Chair
Amir comes with over 30 years experience of working with global retail and consumer brands, most recently as COO of global franchise operator of Al Shaya Group.
Prior to joining Al Shaya, Amir had been the Group Finance Director, Investor Relations Director and Managing Director of Arcadia International.
He brings to The Soke not just his understanding of finance but his immense experience in developing, expanding and managing consumer brands for different markets. Amir is a chartered accountant by training.
Maryam Meddin, Founder & CEO
Maryam worked in the branding and communications sector for 24 years, with 17 as the founder and managing director of an independent consultancy serving a wide range of sectors.
A law graduate, Maryam also acquired a postgraduate degree in Psychotherapy and, for two years, worked part-time in a clinic providing therapy to refugees. This experience revealed the shortcomings of the facilities available in both the private and public spheres, and led her latterly to combine her passion for mental health care with her knowledge of commercial services. This combination was the origin of the concept for The Soke.
George Broke, COO
George has worked across all areas of mental healthcare management with public and leading, globally recognised private sector partners. His roles have included General Manager, Director of Sales and Head of Corporate Development.
George was well placed in his career to observe the ever-increasing necessity for quality, non-acute, multi-disciplinary outpatient mental health care. When he was approached to be part of the founding Soke team, he recognised a unique opportunity to deliver the best-in-class service that he had previously envisioned as a much needed solution.
Rachel Matthews, Operations Director
Rachel has worked across mental health care for over 20 years, with 12 years in the private sector, 7 years in the NHS and one year in Australia. Her roles have included Associate Director of Quality, Director of Mental Health Services and Hospital Director. Rachel started her career as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, specialising in CAMHS ED. She then went on to lead mental health services, with the patient and staff experience at the heart of operational decision making. Rachel's experience in leading ‘Outstanding’ mental health services places her well as Operations Director at The Soke.
Anita Chotai, Finance Director
Anita is passionate about business and finance. She has over 25 years of experience working within global corporates and SMEs across the telecommunications, retail, service, hospitality and leisure sectors.
She joins The Soke after a career break having built up her own hospitality business over 15 years, recently selling to a large private equity firm.
Anita is a Chartered Accountant and an Oxford University mathematics graduate.
Victoria Attrill, Business Dev. Director
Victoria joins us from the pharmaceutical industry with over 25 years of experience in a variety of commercial roles that included working for organisations such as Roche, Novartis, and Alexion.
In addition to heading up The Soke’s advisory divisions, Victoria is also responsible for developing our referral network of medical professionals.
Charles Corfield, Clinic Director
Clinic Director, Charles Corfield, ensures the smooth end-to-end client experience at The Soke in Chelsea. His experience of running a nationwide corporate flu programme during Covid has given Charles the skillset to oversee the operations of a growing clinical organisation with all its logistical demands.
Having worked in corporate wellness for over 12 years, Charles is an experienced programme director who ensures that clients receive the best care possible while championing mental and physical wellbeing.
Lucinda Whittall, Marketing Manager
Lucinda has worked across marketing communications and project management within corporate organisations, the arts, media and charity.