With his decades of distinguished service and a career that is a testament to the power of dedication, Sir Richard Moore KCMG stands as a true inspiration. His journey began with a foundation of excellence, earning a degree from Oxford and then a prestigious Kennedy Scholarship to study at Harvard, a remarkable opportunity he is now poised to lead and extend to the next generation of scholars.
From there, his career became a masterclass in diplomacy and intelligence. Serving in critical postings across the globe, from Vietnam and Pakistan to Turkey, he rose through the ranks with a quiet determination. His tenure as British Ambassador to Turkey and, most notably, as the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) since 2020, showcased his extraordinary ability to lead and adapt in an ever-changing world. He is a testament to the idea that a life of service is a life of purpose, and that by dedicating oneself to a greater mission, one can truly make an enduring mark on the world.
Sir Richard’s appointment to the Kennedy Memorial Trust is a fitting one, as Sir Richard himself was a Kennedy Scholar at Harvard University. The trust, established in 1964 as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, provides scholarships for British postgraduate students to study at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), strengthening the educational and cultural ties between the UK and the US.
The Kennedy Memorial Trust stands as a beacon of transatlantic friendship, vision, and opportunity. Established in 1964 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, it embodies the enduring spirit of leadership, service, and scholarship that defined his legacy. Rather than a monument of stone, the Trust was designed to nurture human potential, granting scholarships for outstanding British students to study at Harvard and MIT. In doing so, it continues to honour Kennedy’s belief in the transformative power of education and international cooperation.
For over half a century, the Trust has enabled exceptional individuals to broaden their horizons, to engage with some of the world’s greatest institutions of learning, and to return with knowledge and skills that enrich public life in the United Kingdom and beyond. Kennedy Scholars have gone on to become leaders in government, science, the arts, business, and humanitarian fields, carrying with them both intellectual excellence and a commitment to public service.
The Kennedy Memorial Trust is not simply a tribute to a remarkable president, but also a living expression of shared ideals between the United States and the United Kingdom—ideals of democracy, hope, innovation, and the belief that the courage of individuals can shape a better world. In supporting future generations of leaders, the Trust ensures that President Kennedy’s legacy continues to inspire action, service, and international understanding.
We are delighted to welcome Sir Richard Moore as the next Chair of the Kennedy Memorial Trust. A Kennedy Scholar at Harvard University in 1985-86, Richard brings a very personal understanding of the life-changing impact this opportunity has on UK students who can pursue graduate studies in the US without a financial burden. His experience as a student in the US and his distinguished career in public service will make him a tremendous advocate for the Kennedy Scholarships.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Sir Mark Walport for his decade of committed service to the Trust, first as a Trustee and then as Chair.
Mary Ann Sieghart
I am delighted to have been offered the Chair of the Kennedy Memorial Trust. In sending some of our best and brightest post-graduates to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Trust does vital work and strengthens the bonds between the UK and US. I am looking forward to being able to contribute to the Trust’s work in this new role.
Sir Richard Moore KCMG
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