John May CVO OBE DL
High Sheriff of Oxfordshire 2025–2026
John May is a distinguished leader in civil society, dedicated to strengthening voluntary, educational, and charitable organisations in the UK and globally. As Chief Executive of Cats Protection, the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, he leads 1,000 staff and 10,000 volunteers in their mission to ensure every cat is treated with kindness and understanding.
A lifelong advocate for youth empowerment and community development, John has held senior roles across the voluntary sector. As Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, he expanded access to non-formal education and learning worldwide. He has also led Young Enterprise, Career Ready, and Business in the Community, driving initiatives that connect young people with opportunities for personal and professional growth. His influence in good governance extends internationally, having served as Vice Chair of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and as a non-executive director of UNICEF.
Committed to social change, John is Chair of Trustees for Oxfordshire Youth, a Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, and Vice President of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets. He has played a key role in fostering leadership and inclusion as a National Ambassador for Stonewall and as a founding director of Teach First.
John’s contributions have been widely recognised. He was awarded an OBE for services to young people, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion, and a CVO in the 2025 New Year’s Honours. He also holds the Freedom of the City of London and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton.
He lives in rural Oxfordshire with his husband, Mark, and their cat, Blenheim. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys walking, parkrunning, theatre, and good food.