Takes up post after 37 years of service in the RAF

Air Marshal Steve Shell is to join SSAFA, the armed forces charity, as its new CEO.

He succeeds Sir Andrew Gregory, who stepped down as SSAFA controller at the end of February after more than eight years in the role.

Shell will take the role on 2 April after 37 years of service with the Royal Air Force.

Commissioned into the Royal Air Force in 1988, Shell’s operational record and joint forces credentials are extensive.

He joined the RAF as a pilot and has exclusively flown Chinook helicopters. His operational deployments include the first Gulf War, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, the evacuation of Lebanon and earthquake relief in Pakistan.

He was the station commander of RAF Odiham and Commanding Officer of the UK Chinook Force.

He worked in the Pentagon as chief of defence Staff Liaison Officer and directed Air Operations as chief of staff in Air Command.

His most recent posting before joining SSAFA was as director general of the Defence Safety Authority.

Sir Simon Bollom, SSAFA’s national chair, commented: “Through his RAF service, Steve has worked closely with SSAFA in different roles and understands us well. I am delighted to welcome him as our new CEO; he comes with great passion and commitment to SSAFA, and I know that he will continue to drive SSAFA forward in support of our beneficiaries.”

Shell said: “I feel privileged and I am excited to be appointed at a pivotal time for SSAFA in its 140th year. I look forward to building on my 37 years of service within the military family and to playing a key role in a prestigious organisation.

“I stand ready to follow on the great work that Sir Andrew set up for us.”