St John’s Knight Commander to step down due to ill health

John Hollis made the decision with the support of his family and senior figures within St John.

Mr Hollis was appointed Knight Commander in November 2022 and oversaw the St John Guernsey charity and the Ambulance & Rescue Service.

He was presented to the Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, King Charles III, during the royal visit to Guernsey earlier this month.

He had also represented Guernsey at events in the UK and presided over St John ceremonies and presentations locally.

St John Guernsey charity CEO Heather Langlois said that Mr Hollis was a remarkable individual, whose passion, commitment and drive were at the heart of everything he has done.

‘His ability to inspire teams, support ideas and lead change are skills that the charity will benefit from for years to come,’ she said.

‘During his time as Knight Commander he has ensured a more sustainable future for the charity.

‘On behalf of the St John Guernsey charity, I would like to thank him for his service.

'This organisation is stronger because of his leadership.’

Ambulance & Rescue CEO Mark Mapp said the entire ambulance team would miss him.

‘Before becoming our leader, John worked in various sectors of government, where he undertook a comprehensive review of the ambulance service and, as part of the review, considered the broader urgent and emergency care healthcare system,’ he said.

‘His report was innovative, and many solutions to today’s healthcare challenges lie within his work and recommendations.

'John has been a strategic motivator and a driving force behind transformative changes, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.’

Prior to his appointment, Mr Hollis previously served as the chairman of the boards of St John Guernsey and St John Ambulance & Rescue Service.

The process of recruiting a new Knight or Dame Commander will begin in the next few weeks.