Wessex RFCA – Chief Executive 2024
Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association has welcomed new a Chief Executive. Neville Holmes MBE, who started with the organisation at the beginning of January, brings with him a huge wealth of experience. He has previously worked closely with the organisation as Commander South West Region, as well as having previously served as the Commanding Officer of 6th Battalion, The Rifles. His last role before retiring from the Army and taking up his post with Wessex RFCA was as Deputy Commander, Army Cadets.
He has praised the Wessex RFCA staff and members for their work, saying “several of my previous Army roles have been based in the West Country so I have seen first-hand some of the terrific work done by Wessex RFCA and know we are held in very high regard across the region. But I know that that reputation does not happen by chance, it is as a result of your professionalism and dedication, so on behalf of those we are here to support, thank you.”
On his predecessor, Brigadier Steve Hodder (Retd.) who retired from the organisation in September 2023, and Deputy Chief Executive Hannah Owen, who has been standing in for the last three months he said “I pay tribute to my predecessor, Steve Hodder, for his leadership during what I know has been a very challenging period. I am also in awe of our superb Deputy Chief Executive, Hannah Owen, who has been expertly covering the Chief Executive role along with her extensive existing portfolio; I appreciate I have huge boots to fill.”
The Chief Executive of the RFCA is appointed by the Chair of the Association and is responsible for the efficient management of all the affairs and business outputs of the Association, in compliance with MOD Regulations of the RFCAs and as directed by the Association Board. Wessex RFCA also appointed a new Chair at the Association’s AGM in September. Robert Wharton has taken over from Lance Ranson, who served as Chairman for the organisation from 2018.
