Colin Dennis, who is currently the Chair of North Devon Homes and Citizen Housing, has been appointed by the Minister for Health and Social Services following a competitive selection process.

Colin has had a distinguished career in the financial and aviation sectors and has a wealth of experience in non-executive roles in regulated sectors including the NHS, social housing and adult care and social services.

He will replace the Trust’s outgoing Chair Martin Woodford, and will begin his four-year term on 01 October 2022.

Of his appointment, Colin said: “I am delighted to be appointed to this Chair role.

“Having spent some time on an acute hospital trust board and many years as Chair of a local authority owned social care provider, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing the NHS in general, and of the ambulance service in particular.

“I hope that my experience in these and other social purpose sectors will be of value to the Board and to the service.”

Colin will replace the outgoing Martin Woodford, who joined the Trust in 2014 as a Non-Executive Director and was appointed Chair in 2018.

Martin, a qualified accountant, has amassed more than 30 years’ experience in the local government and healthcare environment.

Prior to joining the service, he was Chief Executive of Powys Healthcare Trust and Chief Executive of the former Hereford Hospital Trust and its successor organisation Wye Valley NHS Trust.

Martin said: “I’ve had eight wonderful years with the Welsh Ambulance Service, and it’s fair to say we’ve made huge strides towards our vision to becoming a leading ambulance service.

“We’ve also had our fair share of tribulations, not least a global pandemic, but the way in which colleagues in every part of the service and in every corner of Wales have risen to the challenge makes me immensely proud.

“It’s been an absolute honour to serve as Chair, and as my tenure draws to a close, I’d like to extend a huge thanks to colleagues across the Trust and the wider NHS in Wales for their support and partnership.

“I’d also like to congratulate Colin on his richly deserved appointment.”

Chief Executive Jason Killens added: “It’s an important time for the NHS in Wales as we look to deliver a health service fit for the future, and Martin’s knowledge, passion and personal drive for the role has really helped to drive that work forward.

“We’d like to say a huge and heartfelt thanks to Martin for his commitment over the last eight years, and offer a warm congratulations to Colin on his appointment.”