Malcolm Brecht

Air Vice-Marshal Malcolm Brecht CB CBE DL was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire in 2026. He has a particular interest in strengthening links between national institutions and local communities.

Malcolm’s background is in defence and aviation. His early career included introducing the C 17 transport aircraft into service at RAF Brize Norton. He was selected for royal flying duties on The Queen’s Flight at Benson and later led the Golden Jubilee flypast over Buckingham Palace. He commanded major airfields in Basrah, Brize Norton and Kandahar. He has held roles in the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Defence. His final full-time RAF appointment was as an Air Vice-Marshal serving as Chief of Staff Capability, overseeing all air system programmes and projects. Since 2017, he has commanded 601 (County of London) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, leading senior figures from business, academia and public life and advising RAF leadership on complex issues. Between 2017 and 2025, he also served as Boeing’s Director for the C 17 International Programme, responsible for services at eight international locations.

Malcolm is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, serves on the Development Board for Kingham Hill School, is a member of the Pilgrim Society of Great Britain, and holds several honorary and voluntary roles across the RAF.

An Oxfordshire resident for most of his life, Malcolm has lived in five communities across the county. He is married to Babs and they have two grown up sons.