The Armed Forces Equine Charity (AFEC) is proud to announce the appointment of Air Marshal Dame Susan Gray as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 01 December 2025.
Following an exceptional response to the recruitment campaign—with high-calibre candidates from across the private, public, and third sectors—Dame Sue was selected from a highly competitive field. Her appointment marks a significant moment in the Armed Forces Equine Charity evolution, aligning with the charity’s strategic vision for its next phase of growth and impact.
Dame Sue brings with her a distinguished military career as the first woman to reach three-star rank (Air Marshal) in the UK Armed Forces. She is a versatile and transformational leader, known for building inclusive teams, delivering complex multi-stakeholder programmes, and driving innovation across defence, government, and charitable sectors. Her deep understanding of the Armed Forces community, combined with a lifelong passion for equestrianism, makes her uniquely placed to lead AFEC into its next chapter.
Major General (Retired) Robert Talbot Rice CBE, Chair of Trustees, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dame Sue Gray as our new CEO. Her leadership credentials, military insight, and personal connection to equestrianism are second to none. She embodies the values of AFEC and will be a powerful steward of our mission to improve the lived experience of the armed forces communities wherever they are. ”
Jamie Balls MBE, Founding CEO, added:
““After five remarkable years of growth, impact, and movement-building, it’s both a privilege and a deeply personal moment to hand over the reins to Dame Sue Gray. She brings not only the credentials and experience to lead—but the heart, insight, and lived connection to our Armed Forces community that this next chapter demands. Her appointment reflects the step-change in leadership we envisioned in our strategy, and I couldn’t be more confident in the journey ahead knowing that Sue will be leading it.”
AFEC remains committed to empowering the armed forces community through equestrian sport and equine assisted services to therapy, recover, rehabilitation and learning. With Dame Sue at the helm, the charity is poised to deepen its reach, strengthen its partnerships, and continue transforming lives across the Armed Forces community, supporting recovery of those that need it and building resilience and strength into those who serve, have served or live in the local community to where the charity has its centres.
