On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, Rowan Laxton was sworn in as Administrator of Ascension Island by former Administrator Simon Minshull at the courthouse in Georgetown. Rowan is the 27th Administrator to take office on Ascension Island.

On his appointment, Rowan said:

“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed by the Governor as the Administrator of Ascension. I will serve the community and work together with the Island Council and external stakeholders for everyone’s benefit and to ensure the continued good governance of the island. I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome I have received, and look forward to meeting as many people as possible as I take up my new and exciting responsibilities.”

On his departure, Simon said:

“Natalie and I were delighted to welcome Rowan to Ascension earlier this week. We wish him many congratulations on his appointment and hope he will enjoy his time on this unique and wonderful island as much as we have. It has been a real honour and privilege to serve the community. We want to thank everyone for their friendship and support in and outside of work, and wish the whole community well as life on the island continues its journey through a time of change.”

Outgoing Administrator Simon Minshull will depart on Monday, 10 November 2025, having served as Ascension’s 26th Administrator between 2022 and 2025.

Office of the Administrator

6 November 2025