Mark Mapp, KAM the Chief Ambulance Officer for Guernsey, and Chief Executive Officer of the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service, has announced he plans to leave his positions during 2026.
The organisation has said the announcement was made now to ensure a planned and structured recruitment and transition process for his successor.
Having been in the role since April 2019, Mr Mapp stated he decided the time was right to step down, citing a desire to spend time with his family, including planning “adventures” with his son.
Mr Mapp said: “I have decided that the time is right for me to stand down from my role as Chief Ambulance Officer and CEO. The ambulance service is in a strong and stable position and I have chosen to leave at this point, because I want to spend some time with my family before my son embarks on his own career. We are planning some adventures together and I want to enjoy this time while I am still fit and healthy.
“I am proud to have served the island communities in this leadership role for the past seven years, and of the achievements of the ambulance service as a whole, and all the individuals in the team who come to work every day to provide care, compassion and life saving treatment for the sick and injured.
The recruitment process will begin in January, with Mr Mapp continuing in his role until a successor is appointed.
Mr Mapp added: “I remain focused on delivering the excellent prehospital service our community has come to expect and I will be working closely with the board to support the Senior Leadership Team and operational staff through this period.
Mark de Garis, Chairman of the board of directors, expressed that the service will be sorry to see Mr Mapp leave, but noted his significant contributions.
Mr de Garis said: “We will be sorry to see Mark leave his role. He has made a significant contribution to the service and the community, dedicating the past seven years to leading the organisation with commitment, resilience and a clear strategic vision. Mark has guided Ambulance and Rescue through a period of transformation, including the restructuring of the leadership team, increasing the financial stability of the organisation and further developing standards of quality and patient care.
He added: “I am grateful that Mark has given advanced notice, which will allow us to work through the recruitment and appointment process, giving time for a structured transition and handover. The board will continue to support Mark and his team over the coming months to ensure stability and continuity for everyone involved, including the staff and the wider island communities.”