Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, KBE, KStJ, DL, will become The Poppy Factory’s next President, serving as lead ambassador for the charity in its mission to help veterans and families on the path to employment.
Sir David will formally take up the role at the start of 2026, following the retirement of Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, CBE, KStJ, FRCR, DL, who will step down after seven years’ distinguished service as President and a further 11 years as a vice patron and committed supporter of the charity.
After joining the Royal Navy in 1979, Sir David enjoyed a wide-ranging career at sea, most recently as the Logistics Commander on board the aircraft carrier HMS INVINCIBLE, supporting operations in Kosovo and Macedonia, and air operations over Iraq. Ashore, his qualifications as a barrister were put to good use in all his policy and personnel appointments. He served as Second Sea Lord from 2012 to 2015 and Governor of Gibraltar from 2020 to 2024.
Sir David will become the lead representative of The Poppy Factory as it celebrates 100 years since first moving to its iconic home in Richmond upon Thames.
Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis has played an instrumental role as President after the charity launched its national Veterans Employment Service in 2010. Each year it helps around 1,200 members of the Armed Forces community who face barriers to civilian work, while also proudly retaining its role in maintaining the Remembrance tradition.
The charity still employs a production team in Richmond, making around 90,000 Remembrance wreaths for the Royal British Legion each year, special wreaths including for the Royal Family, and organising the annual Field of Remembrance in the grounds of Westminster Abbey.
Vice Admiral Sir David Steel said:
“I am delighted and honoured to assume the role of President of The Poppy Factory as it prepares to mark its centenary in Richmond. I am in awe of all those who have ensured that the charity has evolved so successfully to meet the needs of those across the country who need assistance in making the transition following service in uniform, while remaining true to the core value of employment support that was pioneered at the factory.
“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Lionel for his exemplary stewardship of the charity over many years. He leaves The Poppy Factory in excellent condition, its specialist teams being well placed to help many more veterans and family members meet the challenges of today, and as they seek to find a way into civilian employment.”
Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis said:
“It is a terrific honour to have served as President for the last seven years, and to have seen The Poppy Factory grow into the thriving national charity that it is today. I can think of no better successor than Sir David, who brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to the role and who I know will work tremendously hard in support of veterans and families. I wish him all the very best and I shall always remain a strong supporter of the charity, the vital services it provides and its role in the nation’s Remembrance tradition.”
Amanda Shepard, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said:
“We are delighted to have Vice Admiral Sir David coming on board as our new President, bringing such a terrific range of experience and such a deep commitment to our cause. I look forward to working with him as we continue to develop and adapt our services.
“Sir David succeeds Surgeon Rear Admiral Jarvis, who has been such an inspirational advocate of The Poppy Factory over so many years. I am indebted to him for his guidance and offer my deepest appreciation for the contribution that he has made.”
Al Kett, Chair of The Poppy Factory, said:
“On behalf of all the trustees, staff and volunteers of The Poppy Factory, I would like to offer our most heartfelt welcome to Sir David as he assumes the role of President, and our most sincere thanks to Surgeon Rear Admiral Jarvis for his hard work and dedication in support of veterans and their families.”
