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Brooks Newmark

Academic, Philanthropist, Angel Investor, Social Reform Campaigner

Oxford, UK

Brooks Newmark

PJN Strategies LLC

Seiji Nishimura

Pictet Asset Management (USA) Corp.

Brooks’ Biography

Brooks Newmark is a multifaceted businessman, academic, philanthropist, and social reform campaigner with a distinguished career spanning public service, humanitarian work, and education reform.

Brooks began his professional journey in the financial sector, holding several senior roles, including Senior Partner at leading investment firm, Apollo Global Management. Transitioning into politics, he served as the Member of Parliament for Braintree, Essex, for a decade. During his parliamentary tenure, Brooks was appointed Minister for Civil Society and contributed to numerous initiatives, including co-founding Women2Win, which seeks to increase female representation in the Conservative Party. He also served on the Treasury Select Committee and as a Government Whip.

After leaving Parliament, Brooks redirected his focus towards philanthropy and social reform. Deeply committed to tackling homelessness in the UK, he served on the Government's Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel and chaired a pivotal report on housing solutions for the homeless in collaboration with Crisis UK and the Centre for... Brooks Newmark is a multifaceted businessman, academic, philanthropist, and social reform campaigner with a distinguished career spanning public service, humanitarian work, and education reform.

Brooks began his professional journey in the financial sector, holding several senior roles, including Senior Partner at leading investment firm, Apollo Global Management. Transitioning into politics, he served as the Member of Parliament for Braintree, Essex, for a decade. During his parliamentary tenure, Brooks was appointed Minister for Civil Society and contributed to numerous initiatives, including co-founding Women2Win, which seeks to increase female representation in the Conservative Party. He also served on the Treasury Select Committee and as a Government Whip.

After leaving Parliament, Brooks redirected his focus towards philanthropy and social reform. Deeply committed to tackling homelessness in the UK, he served on the Government's Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel and chaired a pivotal report on housing solutions for the homeless in collaboration with Crisis UK and the Centre for Social Justice. He also co-founded A Partner in Education, a charity dedicated to improving education in Rwanda.

In response to the Ukrainian crisis, Brooks founded Angels for Ukraine, a charity that has evacuated over 35,000 civilians from the war zone and delivered critical aid across the region. For his exceptional contributions, he was honoured with Ukraine’s Medal for Voluntary Valour in 2024.

Currently Brooks is pursuing a DPhil at the University of Oxford, focusing on education reform in Rwanda. He also serves as a Visiting Academic at Oxford's Middle East Centre, where he is writing a book on Bashar al-Assad.

Brooks holds degrees from Harvard College, Harvard Business School, and the University of Oxford. An accomplished author, he writes extensively on foreign affairs and security. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Brooks’ Newsfeed

BBC

Ex-MP moving to Ukraine to scale up charity work

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The National

British political establishment divided over its Assad ties after Syrian regime's collapse

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Brooks’ Background

The University of Oxford

Visiting Academic at the Middle East Centre

Oct 2018 - Present

Oxford, UK

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and is a unique and historic institution. Brooks Newmark is a Visiting Academic at the university's Middle East Centre where he is writing a book on the former President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad.

The University of Oxford

DPhil Candidate, Department of Education

Oct 2019 - Present

Oxford, UK

Newmark is a DPhil candidate working on his doctorate on Rwandan Education Policy, titled "The Political Economy of Education Reform: A Systems Approach to Policymaking".

House of Commons

UK Member of Parliament and Minister for Civil Society in the Cabinet office

May 2005 - Apr 2015

London, UK

Brooks was a Member of Parliament for Braintree from 2005 until 2015. He was also appointed as Minister for Civil Society in the Coalition Government where he was responsible for work with charities, the voluntary sector and youth. Before this, he served on the Treasury Select Committee and as a Government Whip and Lord Commissioner HM Treasury. Brooks also served as a Whip in Opposition.

Apollo Global Management

Senior Partner

Jan 1998 - May 2005

London, UK

Apollo is an industry-leading investment management firm that manages capital for numerous fund investors.

Stellican Ltd.

Director

1993 - 1998

London, UK

Stellican Ltd. is a private equity firm based in London that specialises in asset management.

Newmark Brothers Ltd

Managing Director

1988 - 1993

London, UK

Newmark Brothers Ltd. is a corporate finance advisory firm based in the UK.

Shearson Lehman Brothers

Vice President in the International Division

1984 - 1987

London, UK

Shearson Lehman Brothers was a large investment banking firm in the USA known for its proficiency in mergers and acquisitions and was a subsidiary of American Express.

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Brooks’ Gallery

Board Positions

Connaught Brown

Director

2015 - Present

London, UK

Connaught Brown is a leading fine art gallery in London that holds drawings and paintings by the Modern Masters, French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. The works of leading contemporary artists are also on display in the gallery.

Advisory Roles

International Commission on Missing Persons

Panel of Experts

London, UK

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is an international organisation that works with governments and institutions to locate missing persons from conflict, disasters, human rights abuses, irregular migration, organised crime and other reasons.

UK Government Advisory Panel

Sector Expert

London, UK

Brooks is a member of the Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel that advises the Home Office.

Philanthropy

Angels for Ukraine

Founder

2022 - Present

Kyiv, UA

Angels for Ukraine provides essential support and safe passage for those affected by the conflict, focusing on humanitarian aid and raising awareness about the crisis. The charity is also helping to rebuild Ukraine.

A Partner in Education

Founder and Trustee

London, UK

Brooks is the Co-Founder of A Partner in Education, a non-profit organisation that works with Rwandan teachers to ensure that students have access to quality, inclusive education.

Media

In Conversation With ‘Silicon Curtain’

Video Podcast

Aug 2023

Lviv, UA

Brooks Newmark joined a panel discussion on Silicon Curtain, a popular podcast focused on Ukraine and disinformation warfare, to speak about volunteering and helping the Ukrainian people.

LBC: Cross Question with Iain Dale

Radio show guest

Jul 2023

London, UK

Brooks Newmark’s latest political policy commentary on LBC. (Brooks Newmark’s contribution begins 40 minutes into the episode).

Interview with the Rotary Club of Kharkiv on the war in Ukraine

Video

Jul 2023

Kharkiv, UA

Brooks was interviewed by Балака Игорь of the International Rotary Club in Kharkiv. They discussed his views on the war in Ukraine and why Vladimir Putin must be held accountable for his war crimes.

Being a Social Entrepreneur in a War Zone

Podcast

May 2023

Oxford, UK

Brooks Newmark joins University of Oxford Podcast to discuss his humanitarian work in Ukraine, and the significance of the war in Ukraine for the free and democratic world.

Serve to Lead podcast

Podcast

Feb 2023

Founder of 'Angels for Ukraine' and spiritual descendant of Oskar Schindler, Brooks Newmark, is the focus of this Serve to Lead podcast.

Putin's Humanitarian Catastrophe - People Risking their Lives to Rescue Civilians

Podcast

Dec 2022

Brooks talks to the Silicon Curtain podcast about his work through ‘Angels for Ukraine’, an initiative he co-founded to help move thousands of Ukrainian civilians away from the front lines to safety in Western Ukraine.

What is the future for Cyprus?

Panel Host

Apr 2021

Brooks presents a panel discussion on Cyprus' current political climate and potential results for the country's future.

Chill wind blows through Britain’s growing homeless camps

Mentioned

Dec 2017

London, UK

Brooks is mentioned in the Financial Times article discussing the increase in homeless camps in the UK's cities.

Right to Strike Debate

Debater

Mar 2016

Oxford, UK

Brooks enters the debate on the right to strike and presents at the Oxford Union.

Brooks offers his opinion on UK-US relations

Contributor

Aug 2013

London, UK

Brooks is questioned by Channel 4 about the UK's and US's engagement on the Syrian border.

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Interviews

British heroes of Ukraine

Interviewee

Feb 2023

To mark the first anniversary of the conflict, former MP Brooks Newmark talks to Jewish News about how he helped 20,000 people escape the horrors of the war in Ukraine.

Former MP helps 21,000 Ukrainian refugees

Interviewee

Jan 2023

Brooks talks to Ben Fryer of the BBC about his 'Angels For Ukraine' movement which has seen him bus thousands of Ukrainians away from the firing line. As of Christmas Day 2022, he has rescued 21,235 people, including more than 2,000 children.

Former MP Brooks Newmark on how he's helped over 21,000 flee Ukraine war zones

Interviewee

Jan 2023

Former MP and founder of 'Angels For Ukraine', Brooks Newmark, talks to GB News about how he has helped over 21,000 people flee Ukrainian war zones.

Interview in Kharkiv

Interviewee

Jan 2023

Brooks Newmark discusses how he became involved in the war in Ukraine.

Brooks Newmark recounts sobering experience witnessing 'mass graves' in Ukraine

Interviewee

May 2022

Former Tory Minister joins GB News to talk about his sobering experience of witnessing 'mass graves' in Ukraine.

"A Modern Day Oskar Schindler"

Interviewee

Jan 2023

Brooks Newmark, the former MP for Braintree, has relocated thousands of Ukrainian women and children to safer areas of the country since the outbreak of the war.

Ukraine: Brooks Newmark outlines harrowing stories he has heard on the ground

Interviewee

Apr 2022

London, UK

A former Conservative MP talks about the work he is doing to help Ukrainian refugees, and the disturbing stories he has been told.

Ukraine: Former Conservative Minister on why he is 'imploring' Liz Truss

Interviewee

Apr 2022

London, UK

In conversation with GB News, Brooks discusses Ukraine and calls for tougher sanctions against Russia.

The Ukrainian Refugee Crisis on the Ground

Interviewee

Mar 2022

London, UK

Brooks Newmark, a former MP and Minister of Civil Society, is currently in Poland assisting with refugee relief efforts. He chats with Chamber and TLDR about what he has seen and what the international community has to do.

IdeaMensch

Interviewee

Jan 2022

London, UK

In conversation with IdeaMensch, the interview platform for entrepreneurs, Brooks talks about his journey as an entrepreneur and angel investor.

Brooks shares his opinion on Zelensky/Putin contact

Interviewee

Jun 2019

London, UK

Newmark shares his opinion on the political climate in the East. He supports President Volodymyr Zelensky in his decision to contact Putin and elaborates on the relationship the UK has with both Ukraine and Russia.

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Features

Former MP moves to Ukraine to support children living in a war zone

Profile

Mar 2025

Former British MP Brooks Newmark has moved to Ukraine to expand his charity work with Angels for Ukraine, focusing on aiding children affected by PTSD due to the ongoing war. His charity has been instrumental in evacuating over 35,000 civilians and is now developing a nationwide PTSD training program for Ukrainian educators.

Saving Lives in Ukraine

Sep 2022

Brooks Newmark, a successful businessman before he entered public service as a Conservative MP, has been astonishingly effective in shepherding Ukrainian women, children, and the elderly out of harm’s way.

Publications

The Dictators

Contributor

Sep 2024

In "The Dictators," Iain Dale compiles 64 essays examining a range of dictators from the 6th century BC to the present, analysing how they rose to power, ruled, and often met their ends. The essays, written by historians, academics, journalists, and politicians, include Brooks Newmark’s unique insight into one of the most brutal dictators of the twenty first century, Bashar al-Assad.

The Real Bashar Al Assad by Brooks Newmark

Author

Dec 2024

Read Brooks Newmark's essay on Bashar Al Assad, part of Iain Dale's book, The Dictators: 64 Dictators, 64 Authors, 64 Warnings from History.

'Angels for Ukraine' Part 2

Author

Dec 2023

Brooks Newmark provides an update on his work in Ukraine eighteen months after he first started his campaign to evacuate people from temporary refugee centres to safety. His article starts on page 6 of ‘Order, Order’, the Official Journal of the Association of Former Members of Parliament.

Evacuations in Ukraine

Author

Sep 2023

Oxford, UK

Writing in Worcester College's Old Member magazine, Brooks describes his humanitarian journey in Ukraine - from smaller evacuations on the Polish-Ukrainian border, to evacuating over 32,000 people to safety.

6 essential tips for aspiring angel investors

Author

Jun 2023

London, UK

Angel investor Brooks Newmark shares six essential strategies for aspiring angel investors, emphasizing the importance of thorough due diligence, targeting scalable opportunities, and supporting entrepreneurs through multiple funding rounds.

Valentine’s Day diary from Ukraine

Author

Feb 2023

Brooks Newmark founded “Angels for Ukraine” to evacuate women, children and wounded soldiers from the war zone in Ukraine.

My Week In Ukraine

Author

Feb 2023

Brooks describes his week in Ukraine and how he never ceases to be astonished by the resilience of the Ukranian people and their determination that civil society must go on.

'Angels for Ukraine'

Author

Oct 2022

Newmark describes how he started 'Angels for Ukraine' on an impulse but has now helped evacuate thousands of women and children to safety.

How my family’s Holocaust history led me to rescue thousands of Ukrainians

Author

May 2022

Brooks Newmark talks about the motivation behind his humanitarian work in Ukraine.

Why the Solution for Homelessness Won’t Be a One-Size-Fits-All Fix

Author

Apr 2019

London, UK

Brooks Newmark, social leader and academic, shares his opinions on the UK's homelessness pandemic and how solutions need to be curated.

Centre for Social Justice

Author

2017

London, UK

Brooks' report on homelessness for Centre for Social Justice, underlines the long-term effects of homelessness and points out the growth of ‘tent cities’ and the normalisation of rough sleeping.

Hawking myths about the NHS

Author

Aug 2017

London, UK

During his time as MP for Braintree, Brooks set out to disprove five myths about the NHS in his article titled 'Hawking myths about the NHS' for Conservative Home. He was a Research Associate in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Oxford University at the time.

The private member's bill that could drastically reduce homelessness

Author

Oct 2016

London, UK

In this article originally published on the Conservative Party's website, Brooks asks members of the House of Commons to support Bob Blackman’s Homelessness Reduction Bill.

Until a no-fly zone is enforced in Syria, the bloody slaughter of innocents will stretch on and on

Author

Sep 2016

London, UK

In this publication, Brooks requests a no-fly zone to be implemented in Syria, to ensure the civil war sees an end.

We Must Not Forget That We Are a Nation of Immigrants

Author

Mar 2014

New York, NY, USA

In his article for the HuffPost, Brooks explains why the UK is a nation of immigrants. He suggests that immigrants fill a skills gap rather than replace British workers and want to make a contribution to society. An immigrant himself, Brooks moved to the UK when he was 8 years old.

Simply Red; The True State of the Public Finances

Dec 2006

In this report for the Centre of Policy Studies titled 'Simply red: the true state of the public finances', Brooks and Stephen Hammond MP discuss the state of the nation's finances. During this time Brooks was appointed MP for Braintree.

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Academic Appointments

The University of Oxford

Research Associate Dept of Politics and International Relations Oxford University

May 2015 - Sep 2017

Oxford, UK

During his time as a Research Associate in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Oxford University, Brooks conducted research on the International Commission on Missing Persons in Bosnia, as well as Middle Eastern conflict settlement.

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Guest Lecturer

Oxford, UK

Saïd Business School at Oxford University is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world.

Speaking Engagements

OxPeace Annual Conference: Learning from Ukraine

Speaker

Apr 2023

Oxford, UK

Brooks Newmark was among more than a dozen academic representatives who spoke at The OxPeace Annual Conference of the University of Oxford. The conference's theme was "Learning from Ukraine: origins, impacts, and lessons for peace-building." During the conference, he shared his experiences, realities, and lessons learned from the humanitarian work he has been doing in Ukraine.

Charitable Interests

Crisis

Volunteer

London, UK

Brooks is a volunteer and supporter of Crisis, a national charity in the UK that is dedicated to helping homeless people rebuild their lives and never return to devastating living conditions.

Business Interests

Brooks Newmark & Co. Ltd

Director

London, UK

Brooks is a Director of Brooks Newmark & Co, an investment vehicle. Brooks is an angel investor who invests in start-ups such as Addition Finance, Get it Rwanda, Native Finance and Nkoda Finance.

Community Engagement

Centre for Social Justice

Chair of the CSJ Working Group on Homelessness

London, UK

The Centre for Social Justice works with nearly 400 grassroots charities from the UK’s poorest communities. The CSJ develops solutions to alleviate poverty and social degradation in collaboration with international specialists.

Seed EIS

Investor and Supporter

2012 - Present

London, UK

Introduced by HMRC in April 2012, Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) was created to support start-ups and small companies in raising funds. These funds are raised by individual investors, to encourage entrepreneurship and private sector job creation.

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Brooks’ Education

University of Oxford

MSc, Education

2017 - 2018

Harvard Business School

MBA, Finance

1982 - 1984

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