Thanks to Caroline for sharing this latest info from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Ed
Alex Lochrane will replace John Perry, who stands down after five years as Chief Executive, during which time the charity has grown steadily to the point where it was recently announced that it will be upgrading to a new helicopter with full night flying capacity in 2015.
An experienced leader, Alex Lochrane spent 25 years in the Royal Navy before retiring as a Commander in 2007. He has subsequently translated his significant military experience to achieve the turnaround and growth of two charitable companies in the past seven years.
Chairman of the Trustees Marcus de Ferranti commented,
“These are exciting times for HIOWAA as we steadily expand our service to the community. Alex has the strategic vision and commercial acumen that we need to take charity to the next phase on our path of continuous development. I am confident that his well developed skills and experience honed over two very different careers will benefit the charity enormously.”
Career in the Royal Navy
Alex began his career as an Officer in the Royal Navy in 1983 and between 1985 and 1997 he served four front-line tours in both nuclear and diesel submarines. He went on to study at the French Staff College in Paris, where he was shortlisted for an international prize for his dissertation on the role of state and business in Corporate Social Responsibility and Citizenship.
During his time in the Royal Navy he was Second in Command on board HMS Monmouth, Head of Operations on board HMS Somerset and was awarded a Queen’s Commendation.
Chiddingstone Castle
In 2007 he was appointed director of Chiddingstone Castle in Kent, re-opening the castle to the public after a three year closure.
He succeeded in building an exciting programme of educational and family events that saw visitor numbers grow to well over 10,000 in two years.
Jubilee Sailing Trust
Answering the call of the sea once more, in 2009 he became Chief Executive Officer of Southampton based charity, the Jubilee Sailing Trust.
Promoting the integration of people of all physical abilities through the challenge and adventure of sailing, the charity is one of the largest sail-training organisations in the world.
Praise for all from outgoing Chief Executive
John Perry joined Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance in July 2009. During his five year term, the charity has significantly expanded its service to the community and has achieved several landmark milestones, including the carrying of blood on board all flights, longer operating hours, and the introduction of regular doctor-led crewing. In May this year the Air Ambulance undertook its 5000th mission.
“It has been a great privilege to lead the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance team for the past five years.
“I am immensely proud of our staff, volunteers, medics and air-crew, all of whom work tirelessly together to ensure that our life-saving service is available to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in their hour of need. I wish the charity all the very best for the future.”
