South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) have appointed Simon Ashton as Group Chief Executive.

He will provide executive leadership across both organisations.

The appointment was made following a joint recruitment process and confirmation by both Councils of Governors.

Ashton will begin the role in the Autumn, where he will be responsible for providing clear, inclusive leadership across SCAS and SECAmb, working closely with the new Group Chair Colin Dennis, both Trust Boards, Governors, staff and system partners to deliver safe, effective and high‑quality urgent and emergency care to communities across the whole South East region.

Ashton has worked in the NHS for nearly 30 years, including over a decade in executive leadership roles. He currently works as Chief Executive of Newham University Hospital, part of Barts Health NHS Trust, where he has led significant improvement and transformation across hospital and system settings, with a strong focus on compassionate leadership, workforce engagement, quality, safety and operational performance.

Simon Ashton said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the first Group Chief Executive for South Central Ambulance Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service. Both organisations play a vital role in their communities, and I have been hugely impressed by the professionalism, skill and dedication of staff across both Trusts.

“I am excited to work with our colleagues, Boards, Governors, and partners to build on the strong foundations already in place. Together, we will continue to strengthen collaboration, support our frontline teams and improve outcomes for patients, ensuring our ambulance services are resilient, responsive and sustainable for the future.”

Michael Whitehouse, Chair of SECAmb, said: “Simon brings a strong combination of clinical credibility, operational experience and values‑driven leadership. Throughout the appointment process, he demonstrated a clear understanding of the pressures facing ambulance services, alongside a strong commitment to collaboration, compassion and improvement. We are confident that Simon will provide the visible, inclusive leadership our people and communities need as we take forward our Group model.”