The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has appointed former Royal Navy commander Peter Sparkes to be its next chief executive.

He joined the Royal Navy 33 years ago and has commanded the frigate HMS Cumberland to tackle pirates off the Somalian coast. Among his other postings were serving in Washington as the UK Chief of Defence Staff’s liaison officer to the US Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon.

He joins in June from maritime safety organisation the UK Hydrographic Office, where he has held the same role for the last four years, first as acting CEO then permanently from April 2021.

“He is a proven and accomplished leader and a great communicator with a strong sense of service,” said RNLI chair Janet Legrand.

“Peter has had a highly successful career to date and the RNLI Board is confident he has the right skills, experience and gravitas to take the RNLI forward into its third century of saving lives at sea.”

Sparkes added: “It is an enormous privilege and honour to be asked to lead such a precious institution as it embarks on a new watch.

“I have always followed the RNLI with great interest and am looking forward to being part of the crew.”

He replaces Mark Dowie who is leaving in June after leading the charity since May 2019.
During his tenure Dowie led the charity during the Covid pandemic and most recently tackled criticism of its work to save lives in the English channel levelled against it by right wing media and politicians.

“The past 5 years have been some of the most turbulent in our 200-year history – dealing with the impact of the pandemic and rising inflation, a significant increase in demand, and heightened public scrutiny, especially in response to small boat crossings in the Channel,” said Legrand.

“He has tackled criticism head-on, reaffirming the RNLI’s vision to save everyone. This has not been without risk, but he has unashamedly stayed true to the RNLI’s purpose throughout, generating amazing support, income, sector-wide recognition, and new heights of brand awareness.

“He has much to be proud of, not least maintaining a 24/7 rescue service throughout and ensuring he has brought the RNLI’s people with him on a journey through turbulent times.”

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