HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has a new chief executive at the helm following the appointment of former Royal Navy commander Alex Lochrane.

Marcus de Ferranti, chairman of the trustees of the charity, said he was delighted with the appointment.

He said: “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 the charity to the next phase on our path of development.”

Mr Lochrane spent 25 years in the Royal Navy and, after retiring as a commander in 2007, subsequently used his military experience to achieve the turnaround and growth in two charitable companies.

Mr de Ferranti said: “I am confident that his well-developed skills and experience honed over two very different careers will benefit the charity enormously.”

Mr Lochrane replaces John Perry, who is standing down after five years in the top job.

Mr Perry said: “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.”