George Matthews appointed as CEO of 65 Degrees North

65 Degrees North has appointed George Matthews as Chief Executive Officer for the charity.

George served for 35 years as a Royal Marine and has a wealth of experience of command and the challenges faced by service personnel both on after operational tours of duty.

As an experienced Mountain Leader, he has a comprehensive understanding of the value of operating in challenging environments and how this builds individual and collective resilience.

An experienced crisis management consultant in high-risk industries, both in UK and globally, he is a strong advocate of ‘people over process’ and helps senior leadership teams to develop the ability to respond effectively under pressure.

‘It is a privilege and pleasure to accept this prestigious position at a time of organisational change for 65 Degrees North. Supporting our serving and veteran personnel, as they come to terms with the reality of the physical and emotional challenges brought about by having to leave military service prematurely because of trauma, has never been so important.

65 Degrees North has, since inception, worked to support rehabilitation and recovery through the medium of seriously adventurous activities.

Our focus on ‘what we can achieve’ rather than ‘what we can no longer achieve’ can be a real game changer and be pivotal in rebuilding confidence and resilience in its beneficiaries. The future is bright, and our collective aim remains to continue to provide opportunities for our beneficiaries to enjoy new experiences in challenging environments and to alter their own and others’ perceptions that limit them and instead support them in helping to shape their future journey.’

‘My aim is quite simply to continue to build on the great work of my predecessor to enhance the reputation and output of 65 Degrees North by creating a strong and committed team that can fulfil the direction provided by the Board of Trustees’.