Simmy Akhtar named as new CEO of Air Ambulances UK
The appointment, effective from 1 March 2021, follows the successful merger of the former membership-based Association of Air Ambulances and the national charity Air Ambulances UK (AAUK), which took place in January last year
Simmy brings plenty of experience to the CEO role, having previously been Chief Officer of Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent and Healthwatch Staffordshire, where she championed the patient voice to support positive change in health and social care to meet their needs. She worked on high-level strategic issues with two independent Board of Trustees and led two staff teams.
Increased funding for charity air ambulances
At the heart of the charity’s plans for increasing its fundraising income will be ensuring the successful delivery of Membership Services and government lobbying with the team, which is one of Simmy’s key new responsibilities.
Simmy said: “It is an honor to be appointed to this crucial role and to lead AAUK to further support the lifesaving work that the air ambulances do daily. Air ambulance charities have been incredibly proactive to adapt support during the current pandemic, which further demonstrates their unique position in providing pre-hospital care and supporting the health sector. This is an exciting new era for the organization, and I am elated to be joining the team to build on the excellent work to date.”
Heather Benjamin, Chair of Air Ambulances UK said: “I am delighted to be announcing the appointment of Simmy to join our team. Simmy brings a wealth of experience in many areas including motivational leadership, strategy, governance, stakeholder engagement and income generation and we believe her professional experience and personal traits will support our important work going forward with all our stakeholders.”