Our Chief Executive, Salman Desai, has been named as one of the Top 50 NHS Chief Executives in a new health industry list.

The ranking compiled by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) recognises the most influential and high‑performing NHS trust leaders in England, highlighting those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, organisational impact and national influence across the health service.

His recognition reflects our continued focus on performance, innovation and workforce development, as well as his growing influence across the national ambulance sector.

The 2026 list includes a strong representation from the ambulance sector, underlining the growing strategic importance of ambulance trusts within the wider NHS system. Salman appeared on the list, along with four other ambulance trust CEOs: Jason Killens (London), Peter Reading (Yorkshire), and John Martin (South West).

AACE Managing Director Anna Parry welcomed the news, saying: “It is fantastic to see four ambulance chief executives recognised in this year’s HSJ Top 50. Their inclusion reflects not only their personal leadership but the extraordinary commitment of ambulance people across the country.

After some of the toughest years our sector has ever faced, this recognition shows just how far ambulance services have come – and how central they are to the future of the NHS.

On behalf of AACE, I warmly congratulate John, Salman, Jason and Peter on this well‑deserved achievement.”