The Wave Project appoints new Chief Executive Officer - Ramon Van de Velde

The Wave Project has announced the appointment of Ramon Van de Velde as its Chief Executive Officer.

Ramon joins the Wave Project after four years as Managing Director of the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

He has extensive leadership experience having also held the CEO role with St Aubyn Estates and leadership roles with the Eden Project and Theatre Royal in Plymouth.

Ramon is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, and has a Masters in Personnel and Development.

He is a well known contributor to South West business life as a Non Executive Director of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, NED of the Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions and a college governor.

Having grown up by the beach, Ramon is a real believer in the power of connection with nature and the beach and the impact it can have on mental health.

Wave Project North Devon has been growing a significant Adaptive Surfing offering, having its official launch as England’s first Adaptive Surfing Hub in Croyde in Spring 2023.

This means that people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to access surfing, supported by specially trained staff and volunteers, using bespoke equipment with access to specifically designed facilities.

Ramon will begin his role with The Wave Project in mid March 2024.

Brett Simpson, acting chair of The Wave Project said: “The Trustees are thrilled to welcome Ramon. At The Wave Project we are driven by our mission to ‘improve children’s mental health and wellbeing through our award winning Surf Therapy programme’.

“Ramon is a truly values based leader who will take a strong foundation and bring new energy and leadership to an impressive and dedicated group of employees and volunteers all focused on impacting an increasing number of young people’s lives across the broader UK.

“We’re all very excited as we enter this new chapter in the evolution of The Wave Project story.”

Ramon said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the new CEO of the amazing Wave Project. Since 2010 the charity has been improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people through surf therapy, and this is something very close to my heart.

“I grew up near the sea with the beach as my playground, fully experiencing and appreciating the beauty and healing powers of the ocean. And more recently my adolescent daughter has had significant mental health challenges.

“Connection with nature, a letting go of expectations, and lots of support as well as an abundance of positivity has helped her greatly. This is what the Wave Project does too, consistently. My personal journey has given me a great drive to use my leadership experience to make a big impact for young people who need it.

“It is an honour to continue and build on the great work done by the Wave Project’s staff and volunteers, to ensure that ever more young people will be able to benefit from the impactful work the charity does. This is needed now more than ever.”