Jon brings with him a lifetime connection to military service and a longstanding association with AJEX. His father, Lieutenant Commander Alan Tyler, was a career Royal Navy officer who served from 1941 to 1966 and later acted as Parade Commander for AJEX Remembrance Parades. Jon began attending these in 2000 which, thanks to his father, was an experience that helped shape his own involvement. Jon was honoured to be appointed Parade Commander himself in 2024.
Jon spent 15 years serving with the Reserve SAS, progressing through the ranks to Sergeant and Troop Commander before being commissioned at Sandhurst and later serving as a Captain in the Regiment. He had various roles including being heavily involved in Regimental training. He trained extensively in Special Forces disciplines, including medical skills, weapons, demolitions, NBC, signals, parachuting, and was involved in many overseas activities across Europe and the USA.
In parallel to his military service, Jon graduated with a degree in Business Studies and went on to build a successful civilian career. He hopes that this commercial and governance experience will add further value to AJEX.
Commenting on his appointment, Jon Tyler said: “I am honoured to be asked to take up the role of National Chair with AJEX. These are difficult times for the Jewish community in the UK and it is important we continue to show our loyalty to the Crown and country and how Jews have always stood up to be counted when the country needs them. I look forward to help to continue and build on the work of AJEX, in particular, remembrance of and strengthening the Jewish contribution to the military and the combating of antisemitism through education.”
Fiona Palmer, AJEX, CEO said: “AJEX looks forward to Jon Tyler’s leadership as National Chair, building on past successes and continuing to go from strength to strength.”
AJEX has an inspiring year ahead with a plethora of initiatives and events including the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Jewish Memorial at the NMA, a second podcast series, educational programmes and the 2026 Parade.
