The Buffini Chao Foundation was established as a family philanthropic foundation by Sir Damon Buffini and his wife, Debbie, in 2005. With a focus on promoting education and opportunities, it has since supported many charities and their programmes, impacting thousands of children and young people in the UK and beyond.
Since the beginning, Sir Damon Buffini, Lady Buffini and the trustees have shaped the Foundation so that it will enhance the lives and futures of as many young people as possible.
Meet our trustees
Lady Buffini
Debbie Buffini (née Chao) chairs the Foundation. She believes in an active approach to giving, liaising closely with chosen charities and enjoying visiting projects in action.
Debbie is delighted to be on the Board of the English National Ballet, which brings world class classical ballet to the widest possible audience.
Prior to this, Debbie practised as a solicitor in shipping, working in London and the US, having qualified both in England and at the New York State Bar.
Sir Damon Buffini
Sir Damon Buffini was a founding partner of alternative asset manager Permira where he was Chairman and Managing Partner from 1997-2010. He remained a partner at Permira until the end of 2015 completing a 27 year a career with the firm.
In 2020 Damon was appointed as Chair of the £2 billion Culture Recovery Fund which was granted and invested to ensure the survival and sustainability of the UK’s culturally significant organisations. Damon is also currently Chair of the Royal National Theatre. During his career Damon as served on many other boards including Hugo Boss AG; Wellcome Trust; the Royal Shakespeare Company and Schroders PLC.
Maria Grazia Hindmarsh
Maria Grazia Hindmarsh has been a trustee since the Foundation was established. She is actively involved in several charities, including the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, and is a Director of a Multi-Academy Trust. She is a regular theatre-goer and believes that participation in the Arts can broaden a young person’s creative mind.
Maria Hindmarsh studied English and French Law at King’s College, London and qualified as a solicitor.
Sue Gutierrez
Sue has been a trustee of the Foundation since 2014.
Sue grew up in Stoke-on-Trent where she went to grammar school and won a place to read PPE at Lincoln College, Oxford. Her career has been in Marketing in both commercial and education sectors and she has lived in several countries. She now works as a strategic consultant for schools in the UK and overseas. As a keen tennis player and golfer, she is particularly passionate about the benefits to children and young people of playing sport.
