St John Ambulance Cymru has appointed the chief operating officer of its sister charity in England as its next chief executive.

Richard Lee, who lives near Caerphilly and was awarded an MBE for services to healthcare amid the Covid pandemic in 2021, joins the Wales charity after five years as COO at St John Ambulance in England.

Ex-paramedic Lee is also a former director of operations at Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust and saw active services in the RAF during the Gulf War in 1991 and amid UN operations in Bosnia in 1993.

“Richard brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record that aligns seamlessly with the vision and values of our charity,” said St John Ambulance Cymru chair Paul Griffiths.

“His outstanding performance throughout the interview process, coupled with his deep understanding of our organisation, demonstrates his suitability to lead us through our current challenges and beyond.”

Lee added: “I’m really excited to join St John Ambulance Cymru as its new Chief Executive. I look forward to meeting the volunteers and staff and to learning more about the organisation and facing our challenges together.

“Despite financial pressures, I believe in the charity’s ambition for the future and our focus on people, patients, and communities.”

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