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Mark Arkwell has been confirmed as the next Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Arkwell, who has spent more than 26 years in the fire and rescue service with both Surrey and Royal Berkshire, has served in a variety of senior positions, and is already a familiar figure within the organisation and across the region’s emergency services.
Speaking after the announcement, he said he was “immensely proud” to accept the position. “It will be a great honour to lead a Service that is made up of dedicated public servants delivering their very best for our community,” he said. “I am incredibly excited to lead the Service on the next step of its journey.”
Mark Arkwell.
Arkwell also paid tribute to his predecessor, adding: “I would like to record my thanks to the Service’s current Chief Fire Officer, Wayne Bowcock, who I have been privileged to work alongside for several years. I know that his time leading the Service will leave a lasting legacy.”
Councillor Jeff Brooks, Chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said the selection panel had been impressed by the calibre of candidates but believed Arkwell was the outstanding choice.
“I am pleased to offer the position of Chief Fire Officer to someone of exceptional ability and knowledge,” he said. “This role carries a great deal of responsibility to residents, businesses and the staff of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and it was therefore imperative that we found someone with the right skills and experience to take the organisation forward.”
Councillor Jeff Brooks.
Brooks added that he looked forward to working with the new chief “to continue to deliver the very best service to the people of Royal Berkshire”.
Arkwell’s appointment was ratified by Royal Berkshire Fire Authority during a meeting on 10 February 2026. Arkwell will formally assume command when Bowcock steps down in March, bringing an end to a leadership tenure widely credited with modernising the service.
The change in leadership marks the next chapter for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service as it continues to respond to growing demand, evolving risks and the need for closer collaboration with partner agencies across the county.
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