AACE is delighted to celebrate the success of four ambulance service chief executives who have been recognised in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) annual Top 50 NHS Provider Chief Executives ranking for 2026.
Their inclusion reflects the sector’s ongoing recovery and renewed leadership strength following the significant pressures of the pandemic years. This year’s ranking highlights that four out of ten ambulance trust CEOs have secured a place in the Top 50 – a notable achievement for the sector and a clear signal of the impact ambulance leaders are having across the wider NHS.
Among those recognised is John Martin, CEO of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, who was ranked eighth overall. His leadership has been praised for driving one of the most impressive turnarounds in the country, with judges highlighting substantial improvements in response times and hospital handover delays, achieved through strengthened collaboration with acute partners across the region.
Salman Desai, CEO of North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, was also included in the HSJ Top 50.
His recognition reflects the trust’s continued focus on performance, innovation and workforce development, as well as his growing influence across the national ambulance sector.
London Ambulance Service CEO and AACE Chair Jason Killens was similarly acknowledged. His inclusion comes at a time when London’s leadership landscape has strengthened significantly, with 17 of the capital’s trust CEOs appearing in the Top 50.
Under Jason’s leadership, LAS continues to play a pivotal role in London’s integrated emergency and urgent care system.
Peter Reading, CEO of Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, was also named in the ranking.
His leadership has helped stabilise and strengthen the trust, ensuring consistent delivery across a large and diverse geography while contributing to wider system improvement.
The Health Service Journal highlighted the sector’s resilience, noting that after several very grim years following the pandemic, ambulance services have ultimately “recovered stronger than any other.” The presence of four ambulance CEOs in the Top 50 is a testament to the resilience, innovation and determination of leaders across the sector – and to the dedication of the tens of thousands of staff they represent.
AACE Managing Director Anna Parry welcomed the news, saying:
It is fantastic to see four ambulance chief executives recognised in this year’s HSJ Top 50. Their inclusion reflects not only their personal leadership but the extraordinary commitment of ambulance people across the country.
After some of the toughest years our sector has ever faced, this recognition shows just how far ambulance services have come – and how central they are to the future of the NHS.
On behalf of AACE, I warmly congratulate John, Salman, Jason and Peter on this well‑deserved achievement.
