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St John Ambulance Cymru has announced the appointment of Richard Lee as its new chief executive.

Mr Lee, who lives in Abertridwr, joins the Welsh arm of the first aid charity after spending fives years as the chief operating officer for St John in England.

His efforts in that role during the pandemic saw him awarded an MBE for services to healthcare in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List.

Originally from South London, but having spent his teenage years in North Wales, Mr Lee, 53, is a paramedic and brings with him previous experience as director of operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service.

He also seen active service in the Royal Air Force during the Gulf War in 1991 and the UN operations in Bosnia in 1993.

As well as continuing to fulfil a volunteer role with St John Ambulance, he also volunteers for Medserve Wales, a branch of the British Association for Immediate Care charity.

Chair of Trustees at St John Ambulance Cymru, Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ DL, said: “Richard brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record that aligns seamlessly with the vision and values of our charity.

“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.”

Richard, who is also a Commander of the Order of St John, 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.”

Richard will begin his new role at St John Ambulance Cymru in early May.