Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity (YAA) has today announced the appointment of Kathryn Marsden OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer. Kathryn will take up the position from 9th March 2026.
Kathryn brings over 36 years’ experience working and leading social care and health organisations across the UK and will join YAA from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), where she is currently CEO. Kathryn was also recognised in the King’s New Years Honors list 2025 with an OBE for services to social care.
Mike Harrop, Chair of Trustees at YAA said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Kathryn to YAA as our new Chief Executive. Her experience in the care sector and clear commitment to our mission will be invaluable as we continue to develop, enhance and deliver life-saving critical care to patients across Yorkshire. Our Trustees are fully confident that Kathryn will provide strong, compassionate leadership and strategic direction that we need to continue to progress.”
In her new role, Kathryn will be responsible for leading the charity’s strategic direction, operational performance, and financial sustainability, while maintaining the highest standards of patient care, clinical development, safety, and governance.
Kathryn added: “I am honoured to be appointed as the new CEO of YAA and feel very privileged to be joining such a well loved and respected charity. YAA’s dedication to saving lives and supporting communities is inspiring, and I look forward to working with the highly skilled crews, staff, volunteers, and supporters who make this vital service possible. I am very much looking forward to leading YAA into its next chapter.”
This appointment signals an exciting new era for YAA who have just celebrated their 25th anniversary. The charity is focusing on delivering a new strategy investing in clinical capabilities and development to 2035 and beyond, providing the best care possible to their patients.
YAA is an independent charity, delivering year-round, rapid-response emergency critical care across Yorkshire, to those in their most vital time of need. The charity is currently building a brand-new Northern airbase at Skipton Bridge near Thirsk which will be operational from late summer 2026. The new base will complement the charity’s other airbase at Nostell near Wakefield.