Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance are pleased to announce that Marcus de Ferranti has been appointed to the role of Chairman with immediate effect.

With a strong aviation background that started as a Harrier pilot in the Royal Air Force, de Ferranti has had a highly successful career, both in the public and private sectors. Serving in the Cabinet Office as Head of Unit Policy Communication in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Deregulation Unit from 1995 – 1997, he later went on to conceive, found and run Band-X, the world’s first broadband capacity trading exchange and was awarded Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2000. He has since invested in and worked with various early stage technology businesses, including a mix of high technology, telecom and traditional.

Outgoing interim Chairman Tony Nicholson commented ‘It’s been a key responsibility for me, as the continuity link over these last few months, to oversee the careful search for the right person to fill the role for the longer term – and we are delighted that, in Marcus, we have the perfect candidate to take over as Chairman of Trustees at this very exciting period of our growth. His wealth of business experience and his time spent in the Royal Air Force will be invaluable to us as we continue to improve the life saving service that we provide to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’.

Tony Nicholson will continue to serve on the board of Trustees, heading the internal Operations Group.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance recently undertook its 5,000 mission since it began operations on 1st July 2007. Since the start of flying operations just six years ago, the charity has been steadily expanding its service to the community with steps that have already included an upgraded helicopter, longer operating hours, the introduction of regular doctor-led crewing and the ability to carry blood on board all flights. Further valuable and challenging developments are in the pipeline, likely to include another helicopter upgrade to enable night time emergency tasks.

‘I feel privileged to be able to play my part in the future of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance’, commented de Ferranti. ‘Having lived in Hampshire for many years, I have always been in awe of the life saving service that the charity provides and of the dedication of the aircrews, staff and volunteers. I look forward to the many new and exciting opportunities that lie ahead for this much loved and respected charity.’