18 Facts About Michael Wigston

Michael Wigston previously served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff from 2017 to 2018, and Deputy Commander and Air Member for Personnel and Capability from 2018 to 2019.

Michael Wigston was educated at Friars School, a comprehensive school in Bangor, Wales.

Michael Wigston studied engineering science at Oriel College, Oxford, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992: as per tradition, his BA was promoted to a Master of Arts degree.

Michael Wigston later attended King's College London, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in defence studies in 2004.

Michael Wigston was promoted to pilot officer on 15 July 1989, to flying officer on 15 January 1990, and to flight lieutenant on 15 January 1992.

Michael Wigston was promoted to squadron leader on 1 January 2000, and to wing commander on 1 July 2003.

Michael Wigston was given command of No 12 Squadron in 2005, and served as commander of No 903 Expeditionary Air Wing during a deployment to Iraq in 2007.

Michael Wigston was Tornado Force Commander in 2013, and then principal staff officer to the Chief of the Defence Staff from 2013 to 2015.

Michael Wigston was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services in Afghanistan on 22 March 2013.

Michael Wigston was promoted to air vice-marshal on 20 January 2015, and appointed Commander British Forces Cyprus and Sovereign Base Areas Administrator.

Michael Wigston became Assistant Chief of the Air Staff in March 2017 and, having been promoted to air marshal on 20 August 2018, he took up the post of Deputy Commander and Air Member for Personnel and Capability.

Michael Wigston was promoted to air chief marshal and become Chief of the Air Staff, the professional head of the RAF, in succession to Sir Stephen Hillier on 26 July 2019.

Michael Wigston was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2020 Birthday Honours.

Michael Wigston was replaced by Sir Richard Knighton as professional head of the RAF on 2 June 2023.

Michael Wigston became Chief of the Air Staff in July 2019 and made promoting diversity a high priority.

Michael Wigston subsequently admitted to "mistakes and failings" after it was revealed that the former RAF head of recruitment had identified "around 160 cases" of discrimination against white men.

Michael Wigston apologised for these mistakes during his appearance before a House of Commons Committee in February 2023, but did not resign despite his policy's reported risks to national security and preparedness.

Since January 2024, Michael Wigston has been a visiting professor at the Freeman Air and Space Institute, King's College London.