John Pentreath

Jon Pentreath is a Trustee of the RNWSA and the former Chair of the Association during his Royal Navy service. A retired Royal Navy Rear Admiral and helicopter pilot, Jon completed his naval career as Commander of the UK’s Joint Helicopter Command, having previously commanded RNAS Yeovilton.

Now the founder of Cormorant Consulting Ltd and co-founder of Almara Solutions Ltd, Jon continues to support the defence, security and aviation sectors through strategic consultancy and capability development. A passionate advocate for Royal Navy winter sports, he played a key role in the Association’s transition into an incorporated charity and became its first Chair of Trustees.

Karen Spencer-Smith

Karen is a Trustee of the RNWSA and brings extensive expertise in finance, governance and client leadership through a distinguished career in taxation and professional services. Beginning her career with HMRC over 30 years ago, she later founded and developed a successful boutique City tax firm before becoming a Tax Partner at BKL’s City of London office. In 2025, she was recognised as a recommended Tax Adviser in both the Spear’s 500 and Chambers High Net Worth Guide.

As Head of Private Clients in the City, Karen advises UK and internationally connected individuals across all areas of personal taxation, with a strong reputation for trusted, transparent advice and exceptional client service. Outside of work, she is a keen cyclist, has completed a number of charity bikeathons, and volunteers with St Francis Hospice.

John Read

John Read is a Trustee of the RNWSA, bringing extensive experience in leadership, governance and financial management from both military service and the education sector. He is currently Bursar of The Portsmouth Grammar School, where he leads non-academic operations including finance, estates, IT, HR and governance.

Prior to moving into education, John served for 30 years in the Royal Marines and Royal Navy, holding a range of senior appointments focused on strategy, capability development and financial stewardship. His service also included a period as Director Fundraising for UK Armed Forces Winter Sports. John continues to support the sustainable growth of winter sport across the Royal Navy community through his role as an RNWSA Trustee.

Greame Armour

Graeme Armour is a Trustee of the RNWSA and a lifelong advocate for Royal Navy and Armed Forces sport. Joining the Royal Marines in 1985, he enjoyed a distinguished military career serving with 3 Commando Brigade and in a wide range of senior operational and staff appointments across the UK, NATO and the MOD. He commanded at every level on operations, including tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, with his final command being 1 Assault Group Royal Marines.

A passionate sportsman and qualified BASI Telemark Instructor, Graeme has represented the Royal Navy in rugby, squash and skiing, and was Royal Navy Telemark Champion in 2008. He also served as Chairman of Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces Telemark Skiing. Since leaving the Armed Forces in 2021, he has remained closely involved in military skiing and continues to enjoy ski mountaineering, alongside running, cycling and golf.