Chief Executive’s homecoming as he returns to London Ambulance Service to take the helm

New London Ambulance Service Chief Executive Jason Killens KAM has started his tenure leading the UK’s busiest ambulance service, marking a return to London where he began his career as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Jason said: “It’s great to be back here at London Ambulance Service after ten years away. My career started here when I was 21, back in 1996 as an Emergency Medical Technician in north east London.

“Since then I’ve been away in Australia and most recently in Wales. It’s like coming home for me.

“I’ll be focused on driving forward improvements that ensure our Service is the best it can be for the nine million people living in London and against the backdrop of an ageing population with more complex needs and growing demand on the NHS.”

Over several years Jason worked operationally in North East, Central and South East London before taking on a number of leadership roles, including Executive Director of Operations.

His time in leadership during his first tenure at London Ambulance included overseeing the 2012 Olympics and responding to the devastating 7/7 London bombing.

LAS Trust Chair Andy Trotter OBE QPM said: “I am delighted that Jason has hit the ground running as Chief Executive and wasted no time getting to know our clinicians from across London Ambulance Service and understanding what we need to do to make sure that the Service remains fit for the future.

“His wealth of experience will help LAS during a time of great reform for the NHS, and will ensure that our paramedics, call handlers and other clinicians are well positioned to play a vital role in delivering the Government’s big changes for the health service.

“His passion for providing high-quality, safe care and leading a workforce of highly skilled people will be a huge benefit to the people of London.”

Jason, who has a distinguished career in the ambulance sector spanning 30 years, was appointed the Chief Executive of the South Australia Ambulance Service in 2015 before joining the Welsh Ambulance Service as Chief Executive in 2018.

Jason is also the current Chair of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).