BILL BAKER, CHAIRMAN

Bill qualified as a chartered surveyor after gaining a BSc in Real Estate at Kingston University. He also has a background in fine art and antiques having worked for Phillips Auctioneers as a valuer. Bill founded Porticus Insurance in 2003 and now has 20 years' experience in private client insurance on the underwriting and broking sides.

Bill joined London Rowing Club in 1991. Before becoming Chairman, Bill served as the Chairman of the Membership Sub-committee.

Having learnt to row at Wycliffe College, Bill had an outstanding rowing career. He represented GB in the LM4x in 1990 and in the LM2- in 1993. At Henley Bill won the Wyfold Challenge Cup in 1993 in an LRC crew and the Stewards' Challenge Cup in 1996 in an LRC/Notts County composite.

Andrew Boyle, Hon. Secretary 

Andrew supports Bill in organising the General Committee and acts as Company Secretary of London Rowing Club Limited. He has had numerous directorships related to his career in finance and has served for many years as a school governor. He is authorised to conduct financial services regulated by the FCA. He is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments. 

Growing up in Marlow, Andrew rowed for Borlase school and Marlow RC before going to Oxford University where he rowed in the Lightweight crew. He also rowed in Japan where he lived for 10 years. After a significant gap, when he was busy with family and work, Andrew joined the club in 2019 and began rowing with the club’s masters groups.

Philip Carré, Hon. Treasurer 

Philip oversees the financial management of the club. He is a qualified accountant with significant experience both in the UK and overseas having worked in industry for most of his career, predominately in the construction sector holding CFO and Finance Director roles in some of the largest companies in the UK. 

Philip joined the club in 2011 after completing a Learn to Row course at Barn Elms with Hon. House Steward Eddie Markes. Philip is now an active member of the Irregular’s group.

Elizabeth COTTRELL, Captain

After gaining a BSC in Human Biology at Oxford Brookes and an MSc in Science Media Production, Elizabeth works at Warner Bros. Discovery as a Talent Manager. She manages the relationship between the on-air talent and the company ensuring effective working relationships.

Elizabeth has rowed at LRC since 2018 and is a prominent member of the Women's Squad. She has served as a Vice Captain, Women’s Squad Captain and as an ongoing member of the Rowing Sub-committee. Elizabeth's enthusiasm and willingness to organise a wide range of club activities are much appreciated by members in all rowing groups.

Before joining LRC Elizabeth rowed at Oxford Brookes, Imperial and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club gaining GB U23 trial experience and wins at Henley Women’s Regatta, BUCS and EUSA. At LRC she has reached two finals at Henley Women's Regatta, won the Medium Club Pennant at WEHORR, won the club coxless four at the Met Regatta and this year helped the women's eight qualify for Henley Royal Regatta for the second time.

Eddie Markes, Hon. House Steward (PROPERTY) 

Eddie maintains a never-ending inspection of the clubhouse and manages the schedule of maintenance of what is a beautiful but vulnerable building approaching of just over 150 years of age. He has been in the building trade for over 40 years and has extensive experience of Victorian and listed buildings. In 1990 his firm won a “Richmond Society Award” for a full refurbishment of a listed building. During the nineties, he took his young family to France where he and his wife restored a traditional Gascon farmhouse before moving back to London in 1996. He then agreed to set up a joinery firm on behalf of his former employers Marldon. Whilst self-employed, he is still the managing partner of Marldon Joinery and employs around 8 joiners, who manufacture a variety of joinery items to his designs. 

Eddie joined the club in 2011 after completing a Learn to Row course at Barn Elms. He gained experience with Alan Foster’s masters group and has since become a prominent member and organiser of the Irregulars. He is also a Tideway expert and acts as an assessor to develop and qualify bow-steers.

MIKE SHASHA, Membership DIRECTOR

Michael has spent his career in financial services and technology, beginning as a trader and more recently in executive search and consulting roles. He is an advisor to various companies and holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester and an MBA from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Michael joined London Rowing Club in 2019. He served as Chair of the Membership Sub-Committee before being appointed Membership Director. Michael is responsible for the evolution and offerings that LRC can provide to the whole membership.

Michael began his rowing career at Emanuel School, where he was Vice Captain and won the Schools' Head of the River Race. As Captain at Manchester University, he led the first VIII to their most successful Henley campaign in the club's history. He is a full lifetime member of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, where he served in various leadership roles, including men’s Squad Captain and Rowing Secretary, before his return to London.