South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has welcomed new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Will Warrender CBE (left). Will succeeds Ken Wenman, who retires, after more than 40 years’ service in the NHS.
With over 30 years’ Royal Navy experience, Will has spent much of his time at sea, where he commanded five warships; and ashore he led national and coalition maritime operations across 2.5 million square miles of water, in the Gulf. In 2018 he was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the military Operational Honours List and was awarded the US Legion of Merit in 2017 for his contribution to coalition maritime operations in the Gulf.
“We are very excited that Will is joining us, bringing a wealth of leadership experience in complex and challenging environments,” said Chairman Tony Fox. “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 us forward as we continue our drive to be an outstanding organisation in all that we do.
“Finally, I would like to say thank you and to recognise the commitment and contribution Ken Wenman has made to SWASFT and to the ambulance sector as a whole throughout his career. Ken has driven innovation into the sector and has been instrumental in the development of paramedic clinical practices. He was also at the forefront of successful mergers that shaped the regional service we have today. We wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
CEO Will Warrender said, “I am truly honoured to join the trust at this highly unusual time – mid-global pandemic. Over the past few months, I have been inspired by the courage, dedication and continued commitment to patient and staff care.
“I am reassured that my transition into the role will be supported by a caring Board, a strong Executive team and passionate people, where together we will maintain service continuity as the south west region manages and mitigates the impacts of Covid-19.
“My commitment as CEO is to compassionately lead a trust that treats its people with respect, care, dignity and a culture that promotes transparency, inclusion, honesty, engagement, fairness, diversity and challenge.
“Together with our people and through patient and community feedback, I will be taking us on a journey to achieve our 2025 and 2030 goals to deliver a world-class service, by making sure we are operationally fit-for-the-future and able to cope with increased demands of activity.”
In the coming months Will plans to safely meet as many of the service’s 4500-strong workforce and 800 volunteers as possible, from across the region. This will be achieved through carefully organised meetings using social distancing measures, personal protective equipment and virtual forums.
