HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Corbett as chief executive.

He takes over from acting chief executive Sherie Williams Ellen, who will resume her role as deputy chief executive.

An experienced leader in the charity sector, Richard has specialised in humanitarian aid, for eight years at Oxfam GB and recently at Care International UK.

He was humanitarian lead in both organisations maintaining oversight of emergency responses around the world, in countries such as Yemen, Syria and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Richard also spent several years working overseas for Medical Emergency Relief International (MERLIN) in Afghanistan, DRC, Sierra Leone and South Sudan.

Now turning his attention to a cause closer to home, Richard will be honing his diverse and well-developed skills to steer this life-saving charity through a pivotal time in its history, following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “I have watched and admired the life-saving role of Air Ambulance charities for many years, in particular during the Coronavirus pandemic. It is, therefore, a real honour to be asked to lead Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. I am looking forward to working with the team and engaging with the community that support us so well.”