THE ambulance service in Somerset has a new boss.

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer (CEO).

Will Warrender will take up the role following the announcement that the current CEO, Ken Wenman, will be retiring at the end of June.

Mr Warrender, who has had a long and distinguished career in the Royal Navy, has been appointed following a rigorous selection process, involving members of the trust’s board, executive team and a panel made up of our people representing all areas of the organisation along with union representatives and governors.

The trust said Mr Warrender’s suitability for the role was supported by each group, with his natural leadership style and his engaging and authentic manner evident throughout the process.

His determination to make a difference in the role was infectious, they said.

Will demonstrated his ability to be truly effective by quickly assimilating information about our patients, our people, the ambulance sector, the South West health economy as well as our wide range of other stakeholders, the trust added.

Tony Fox, Chair of the South Western Ambulance Service, said “We are very excited that Will is joining us, bringing a wealth of leadership experience in complex and challenging environments.

“His personal values are a great alignment with those of the trust and we know that he will be an inclusive and compassionate leader, able to take the trust forward as we continue our drive to be an outstanding organisation in all that we do.”

Mr Warrender added: “I am very excited to be joining South Western Ambulance Service.

“As part of the application process, I met many of the caring and dedicated people who work in the trust, the committed and insightful leadership team and many health service stakeholders.

“I am delighted to be able to continue my career in public service and feel there is no better organisation than SWASFT in which to transfer my skills to deliver exceptional patient care, delivered by exceptional people.

“I am incredibly proud and excited to join the team.”