Welcome Aboard...

Meet Paul Boissier (or to use his full title Vice Admiral Paul Boissier Royal navy), he has been named today as the successor to Andrew Freemantle as the Chief Executive officer (formerly known as the Director) of the RNLI. Like his predecessor, he has had a glittering and distinguished military career before being head-hunted to take up what must be perhaps one of the most prestigious jobs within the charitable sector. To quote the press release:

After more than 10 years’ service, Chief Executive Andrew Freemantle will be retiring in September. After a lengthy search, Chairman The Lord Boyce and the Trustees have now chosen his successor.

Following stiff competition for one of the charity sector’s most rewarding and prestigious jobs, the new Chief Executive will be Paul Boissier.

Paul, 55, who recently retired from the Royal Navy, says: ‘I have been absolutely bowled over by the sense of commitment, service, courage and energy that drives the RNLI and its people. It is one of the most valued and respected charities, doing a uniquely challenging job in a way that cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. It is a huge privilege to be asked to be the Chief Executive and I greatly look forward to taking up the appointment.’

Andrew Freemantle comments: ‘My warmest congratulations go to Paul Boissier on being selected for this marvellous job. I have no doubt that he will enjoy it as much as I have. For me, it has been an enriching experience to work for such a wonderful organisation. My very best wishes go to Paul and to everyone in the RNLI family, past and present, for even greater success in the future.’

After graduating in Mechanical Engineering at Cambridge University, Paul joined the Royal Navy, specialising in navigation. He served in and then commanded a variety of submarines, before moving to the surface fleet as Captain of an anti-submarine frigate.

At Portsmouth Naval Base, he was responsible for repairing and accommodating most of the Navy’s ships. As Chief Executive of the Naval Support Organisation in Bristol, he worked closely with a variety of industrial partners and managed the three naval dockyards. Paul spent his last 2½ years in the Royal Navy as Chief Operating Officer, integrating HR, support, training, logistics and procurement.

Paul has sailed extensively with his wife Susie in their boat Snow Goose. He has also written a book on the maritime rules of the road, and for 3 years was Commodore of the Royal Naval Sailing Association. He is a Younger Brother of Trinity House. Away from the sea, he enjoys travel, gardening and writing and bread making.

So it does indeed sound as if a worthy successor to Andrew Freemantle has been found. We look forwards to welcoming Paul over here in Swanage in the near future and wish him a fair wind when taking up his new job in September.