SSAFA welcomes Sir Simon Bollom as a Trustee and future National Chair

13 July 2023

Air Marshal Sir Simon Bollom KBE, CB, FREng has become a Trustee of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity effective today (July 13, 2023).

In October, Sir Simon will succeed Lieutenant General Sir Gary Coward as SSAFA’s National Chair, who is stepping down from the role.

Sir Simon retired from the Royal Air Force in 2016, having served 35 years as an Engineering Officer; his last appointment was as Chief of Materiel (Air) in Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and RAF Chief Engineer on the Air Force Board.

After a short break, he returned to the DE&S as Chief of Materiel (Ships) in 2017, with responsibility for acquisition and support of surface ships for the Royal Navy. He was Chief Executive Officer DE&S May 2018 until July 2022.

Of his appointment as Trustee and National Chair, Sir Simon commented: “I am extremely pleased to have been appointed as National Chair of SSAFA, which for nearly 140 years has supported UKAF personnel – serving and former – and their families with life-changing and in some cases life-saving work.

“SSAFA, and its volunteer and paid staff at home and overseas, helped almost 60,000 people in 2022, providing a lifeline to the Forces community when they need it, how they need it, and for as long as they need it, and I am immensely proud to taking on this role within this organisation.”

The Controller of SSAFA, Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, added: “SSAFA is delighted to welcome Sir Simon Bollom as our National Chair of Council. I and all in the Charity look forward to working with him as we ensure we can respond to the changing needs of the Armed Forces community and can continue to provide serving personnel, veterans, and their families with support as and when it is needed.

“However, as we welcome Sir Simon, I am very conscious that we will be bidding farewell to Sir Gary Coward. He has been an outstanding National Chair and has provided exceptional guidance and commitment over the last six years as he piloted the organisation through a period of modernisation, encouraging and supporting it to evolve. We have been most fortunate to have benefitted from his leadership and engagement.

“All at SSAFA wish Sir Gary every good fortune for the future.”