Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance appoints new CEO

Hackett joins the life-saving charity this week, with a wealth of experience across both the commercial and charity sectors as well as experience in working with local government. He spent 17 years at GlaxoSmithKline in a variety of senior roles, including leading the international development, supply and marketing of major new medicines.

For the past five years, Hackett has been Chief Executive Officer of Destination Plymouth and Mayflower 400; a five-year transformative program for Plymouth, which has left a lasting legacy of partnership working within the city.

Gillian Bryce, Chair of Trustees for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said: “His predecessor Bill Sivewright was always going to be an extremely hard act to follow, but fortunately I think we have found the man for the job. Charles will bring talent and skills to further develop and build the charity for the future, enabling us to help and care for even more of the people of Dorset and Somerset.”

Hackett added: “It is something of a dream come true for me to be able to join an organisation that so directly benefits individuals and communities here in the southwest. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has come so far over the past 22 years, working alongside its partners and supporters to collaborate and innovate, for the benefit of the patients they serve.”