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John Hollis is standing down as the Knight Commander of St John after encountering health problems.
A hunt is now on for his Knight or Dame successor, which commences in a few weeks.
Mr Hollis’ family and colleagues have supported the decision, which will see him shortly end nearly two years of service in the senior role.
He represented St John at events in Guernsey and England and chaired the Commandery, a board of directors which sets strategic direction for, and has oversight of, the various sections of the St John charity locally.
He has chaired the boards of the St John Guernsey charity and St. John Ambulance & Rescue Service since 2021, having previously been involved in two reviews of the emergency ambulance service during his time on States' committees including Treasury and the STSB.
Mr Hollis conducted a further review of St John’s structure and services in the past few years, while also using his international business experience and government contacts to forge closer ties with the States.
CEO of the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service, Mark Mapp said the whole team will miss him.
"The entire ambulance team will miss John, whose extensive support for the service has provided us with stability, transparency, and sustainability... 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.”
CEO of the St John Guernsey charity, Heather Langlois added: “John Hollis is a remarkable individual whose passion, commitment and drive are at the heart of everything he does, and his ability to inspire teams, support ideas and lead change are skills that the charity will benefit from for years to come.
“It will forever be one of my greatest privileges to have had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside John and 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.”
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem has its roots in a hospice in Jerusalem in the 11th century. Today, the international charity provides health care and support in more than 40 countries through a dedicated team of around 250,000 volunteers and staff.
Pictured (top): Mr Hollis being presented to King Charles III in Guernsey earlier in July. Credit: Chris George.
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