St John announces new Group Chief Executive and Chief Ambulance Officer.
21 April 2026
The Commandery of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Langlois as the Group Chief Executive Officer for St John Ambulance and Rescue Service and St John Guernsey charity.
Heather has spent the last four years as Chief Executive Officer of the St John Guernsey charity, a role responsible for the development and execution of short- and long-term strategy, financial sustainability, and overall management of operational service lines.
Heather will now take overall responsibility for leading the executive teams, long-term strategy and external affairs for both the ambulance service and the charity.
Heather will be supported by John Atkins who takes on the role of Chief Ambulance Officer and will be responsible for the delivery of the emergency ambulance service, marine ambulance and patient transfer service.
Previously, John was Head of Resilience and Education a role in which he was responsible for the Service’s emergency preparedness, resilience and response arrangements, as well as overseeing training and education.
Aimee Lihou has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing daily business functions.
The appointments follow the resignation of Mark Mapp, who announced in December last year his plans to stand down from the role of Chief Executive Officer of the ambulance service, after seven years leading the organisation.
Marc Farror, Knight Commander for Guernsey said: “I am delighted that Heather has taken on the role of Group Chief Executive Officer. Having responsibility for both parts of the St John organisation in Guernsey creates a more effective and strategic structure. Redefining the senior roles allows us to consolidate functions and ensures we continue to deliver the professional standards our community has come to expect as part of a sustainable model of care, which ultimately means the best care for our patients. As a charity it is vital that we continually look to our efficiencies and ensure we get best value for money. Heather will be supported in her role by John Atkins who will take on the statutory responsibilities of Chief Ambulance Officer, and by Aimee Lihou who becomes Chief Operating Officer. We are extremely fortunate to have such great people leading the organisation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Mapp for his leadership, positivity and strategic vision over the past seven years”.
New Group Chief Executive Officer, Heather Langlois said: “I am privileged to take on this role at such an important time for St John in Guernsey. Bringing the two parts of the organisation together is an opportunity to sharpen our strategic focus and align our priorities. I am delighted to be working with John and Aimee who have vast experience in previous roles within the ambulance service.
John Atkins said: “It is an honour to be appointed as Chief Ambulance Officer at a time of renewed leadership in the organisation and as we prepare to celebrate 90 years of serving the islands. I’m looking forward to working alongside Heather as our new Group CEO to ensure we continue to develop our role as a vital pre-hospital healthcare provider in the islands, as part of a future sustainable model of care”.
St John Ambulance and Rescue Service (SJARS) provides the statutory urgent and emergency ambulance service for Guernsey and Alderney on behalf of the island’s respective governments, as well as the non-emergency patient transfer service, the marine ambulance service and a major incident response for the islands.
SJARS is part of the wider St John organisation in Guernsey which also consists of the St John Guernsey charity, which provides volunteer first aid cover, youth work and first aid training.
