16 October 2023
We are pleased to announce that, following our recruitment process and subsequent Board endorsement, Catherine May has been appointed as Chair Designate to succeed Amber Foster as Chair of the Shoreham Port Board on the 1st of January 2024.
Amber leaves Shoreham Port having served nine years in several Board roles, most notably Chair from 2018 to 2023. Throughout this period, she has played a key role in overseeing the development of our Port as a successful maritime hub that plays a vital role in the local economy. During her tenure, overall revenues have grown by 50%, reflecting the enhanced impact of the Port across multiple stakeholders. Throughout her leadership period, Amber has played a pivotal role in transforming the Board’s profile into a more dynamic and diverse team.
Amber commented “Chairing the Board and seeing how our decisions have delivered tangible, positive improvements for our Port users, our people, and our local community throughout my tenure has been a privilege. Our dedicated colleagues have my utmost admiration for their unwavering commitment to Shoreham Port’s Masterplan and Values. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one for a rewarding and successful journey.
Amber continued “I am absolutely delighted that Catherine will be stepping into the role of Chair. Growing up in the local area, I know she shares my huge ambitions for Shoreham Port to become even better for its users, its people, and the Sussex economy.”
Tom Willis, Chief Executive at Shoreham Port commented “On behalf of the whole organisation and the communities we serve, I would like to thank Amber for her significant contribution to Shoreham Port over the past nine years. A true custodian of our values, Amber has been central to the strategic development of our Trust Port.” he continued “I am looking forward to working with Catherine in her new role as we continue to improve the Port for everyone whilst navigating the current economic challenges”.
Catherine joined the Shoreham Port Board as a Non-Executive Director in January of this year, and brings to the Board a wealth of experience, currently serving as Senior Independent Non-Executive Director at both the Pensions and Life Savings Association and South Staffs Water plc, as well as Chair at English National Opera Trust. Alongside a decade of non-executive roles on the boards of businesses and charities, Catherine is a commercially savvy leader, drawing on over 25 years of experience in leading highly successful FTSE 30 businesses with global footprints.
On the appointment, Catherine commented “I am thrilled that I’ve been asked to be the next chair of Shoreham Port. Since joining the Board I’ve really enjoyed expanding my knowledge, appreciation and active involvement in all that the Port is achieving in growing the local economy, spearheading sustainability and using innovative approaches to ensure that it thrives.
Catherine added “Amber has been a real inspiration to me, and I am looking forward to following her lead, working closely with Tom and the senior team to actively support and champion all that we do at Shoreham Port and in our community.”
During the final quarter of this year Amber and Catherine will be undertaking a handover to ensure an orderly transition of accountabilities.
Category: Announcements
