Major General Rich Spencer Joins as a Second Charity Patron
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Major General Rich Spencer as its second charity patron, further strengthening its leadership
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Major General Rich Spencer as our second charity patron, further strengthening our leadership. This comes just a few months after we appointed Col Gordon Straughan, who also joined as a patron.
Commissioned into the British Army in 1989, Spencer’s early career focused on Electronic Warfare, Headquarter digital services, and military assistant duties, where he supported the Chief of Defence Logistics. He also spent time in Defence Intelligence, developing a broad understanding of strategic level of Defence. His leadership experience extended to commanding the 12th Mechanized Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron, and 30th Signal Regiment. Over the course of seven operational tours, he served in Iraq, Bosnia, and Afghanistan, here he led the UK’s digital services across the entire Op Herrick Area of Responsibility.
Spencer’s 15-year military procurement career saw him serve in several key roles, including Head of the Battlefield and Tactical Communications Information Systems Delivery Team, Deputy Director of the Weapons Operating Centre, and his final role as Director of Delivery Intelligence and Expeditionary Services. In this capacity, he managed a portfolio worth approximately £1.6 billion annually, overseeing the delivery of critical digital services, including satellite communications, battlefield tactical communications, intelligence, medical applications, high-grade encryption, and defensive cyber services. His leadership extended internationally, with a team based in Saudi Arabia.
A graduate of the Advanced Command and Staff College, Spencer holds a master’s degree in Defence Technology. He is also a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology. Additionally, he is a Member of the Association of Project Management and a graduate of the Major Projects Leadership Academy.
Following his military career, Spencer founded Sallaha Limited in 2024, providing strategic digital and defence consultancy across the UK’s defence sector. As a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, his passion for technology and systems delivery is matched only by his commitment to supporting those who serve.
Speaking about his appointment, Rich commented, “It is an honour to join Building Heroes as a Patron. This charity plays a vital role in giving our service leavers a renewed purpose, the skills they need, and the confidence to thrive in civilian life. I am proud to lend my support to an organisation that is delivering real, lasting impact.”
The appointment of Major General Spencer is a significant endorsement for our charity. Rich’s support will amplify the charity’s voice, strengthen our strategic partnerships, and further enhance our goals of ensuring no one who has served is left behind.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Richard H Tucker MBE, commented, “I am delighted to welcome Richard Spencer as one of our new Patrons. Following our first ten years, the Board and Charity have undergone significant changes to meet the challenges of this decade and beyond. Richard Spencer’s Appointment as one of our new Patrons strengthens the changes made during 2024 both to the Board and the Building Heroes’ team under our CEO, Christopher Charles. Richard, who prefers to be known as Rich, not only brings gravitas having held a 2-Star role within MoD but a humility and strong understanding of Building Heroes’ ethos, our people, coupled with knowledge and acumen to complement the Board and our Charity.”
