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. Philip is now an active member of the Irregular’s group.
ROBERT PORTER, Captain
Rob currently works in transport security and operations at the Department for Transport, having joined the civil service in 2021. His previous roles include working in rail infrastructure and courts and tribunals services.
Rob joined the club in 2020 and has since served on the Membership Sub-Committee. In the current year he has also served as a Vice Captain and as a member of the Rowing Sub-Committee.
Having played rugby at school in East Yorkshire, Rob learned to row at Exeter University where he studied History and International Relations. While undertaking post-graduate studies in Colonial History at Leiden University in the Netherlands, he rowed at A.L.S.R.V. Asopos de Vliet student rowing club. Rob has been a member of LRC's Squad, representing the club at Henley Royal Regatta in both Thames Cup (2021 and 2023) and Wyfold crews (2022).
TIM LEPPARD, Hon. House Steward (PROPERTY)
Tim qualified as a Chartered Surveyor after gaining a BSc (Hons) in Estate Management from South Bank Polytechnic. Since qualifying Tim has advised clients and investors on the sustainable asset management of Central London property for over 30 years. He has been responsible for everything from the day-to-day management of portfolios to whole building refurbishments.
Tim manages a never-ending schedule of inspections and remedial works to our clubhouse, a beautiful but vulnerable building where some parts are over 150 years old. Before becoming House Steward (Property) he was an active member of the Property Sub-Committee.
Tim started rowing at Hampton School, moving to Molesey Boat Club, then University of London Boat Club before joining LRC in 1991 where he’s been a member ever since. Tim has raced in three Henley Royal Regatta semi-finals and represented GB in the 1984 Match des Seniors (predecessor to the U23 World Championships) in Copenhagen in the M8+ where he won the bronze medal.
Tim now rows regularly with the Masters group including winning at British Masters Rowing Championships in 2023.
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.
