In December 2024, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) welcomed Jason Holt as our new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Jason is a perfect fit for GWAAC; he has chaired several complex organisations in logistics and medical healthcare and has a background of sitting on charity boards for armed forces personnel wellbeing. He is also committed to giving back to the community and “doing great things for great causes.”

Jason takes over from our former Chair of the Board of Trustees, Martyn Drake and we wish to thank Martyn for all he has done since 2019. His achievements include helping to strengthen GWAAC in terms of our people, leading the service we provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing our number of operational missions, improving our financial stability and bringing good business practices whilst retaining our social purpose.

We’re very pleased that Martyn will remain on the Board until the end of his term, totalling nine years of dedicated service.

Jason will now act as Chair of the Board of Trustees for GWAAC until Spring 2028, when his tenure may be extended. GWAAC CEO, Anna Perry says, “I am thrilled that Jason is our new Chair of the Board of Trustees and I am confident that with his expertise and commitment to supporting our vital work, he will help steer GWAAC as we continue to deliver excellent standards of pre-hospital critical care to evermore people who need it in the region we serve.”

About Jason

What does your career path look like to date?

Currently, I am Chair of EDX Medical Group PLC and was appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport as Chair of Dover Harbour Board. I am also Chief Executive and Board Director of European Cargo Limited.

My previous roles have included Whitehall’s Chief Executive of Test at the UK Government’s DHSS Test & Trace, Chief Executive and Chairman of Swissport Western Europe, Executive Vice President and Board Member of Cargolux International SA Luxembourg, and Director of Strategy at EasyJet Airlines. In my early career, I was a Squadron Leader in the UK Royal Air Force where I attended the Empire Test Pilot’s School prior to joining the airline business and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Why did you want to be Chair of the Board of Trustees for GWAAC?

I live locally in Bibury in Gloucestershire so it will be nice to give something back to the area I live in. I also have a personal reason for wanting to contribute to my local air ambulance charity; 12 years ago, I was first on scene to a serious road traffic collision and witnessed first-hand the value that an air ambulance crew brings to someone having their worst day.

What do you hope to achieve in your time as Chair of the Board of Trustees at GWAAC?

As a local resident, I feel honoured to be joining the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity team as its new Chair of the Board of Trustees. I’m especially looking forward to extending the presence of GWAAC within the West as it continues to reach the many individuals in times of urgent need.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by public spirited people around me who do great things for people in need.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Tennis. Flying (I borrow a plane when I can find the time). Skiing.

Can you name something you love and something you hate?

I love meeting the many people I am lucky enough to engage with and learning about their ambitions and aspirations.

Not a huge fan of the M4.

And if you had to describe yourself in one word?

That’s hard! If I had to pick one, I’d say I am grateful.

Welcome to the GWAAC family, Jason!