New Chair and Vice Chair appointed to Tees Maritime Strategic Committee
Tees Maritime Cluster has appointed Gary Dawson of AV Dawson as Chair and Michelle Robson of PD Ports as Vice Chair of its Strategic Committee.
The appointments come as the Committee begins its next phase of work, bringing together senior leaders from across Teesside’s maritime and port-enabled economy to help shape the priorities and activity of the Cluster.
The Strategic Committee sits at the heart of Tees Maritime.
Its members make the highest level of financial commitment to the Cluster, investing £10,000 each year to support its work on behalf of the wider maritime community. But their contribution goes well beyond funding.
They give their time, expertise and insight to help identify the issues that matter to industry, open doors, challenge thinking and make sure the Cluster remains focused on activity that can make a genuine difference to businesses, people and the region.
That investment helps Tees Maritime do much of the work that benefits the wider sector, from raising the profile of Teesside’s maritime capability and representing industry in regional and national conversations, to connecting supply chains, supporting innovation and creating opportunities for young people to understand and enter the industry.
Gary Dawson, Chairman of AV Dawson and owner and operator of the Port of Middlesbrough, said:
“I’m delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Tees Maritime Strategic Committee at a time when there is so much opportunity ahead for our river and region. The Tees Valley has always been built on the strength of its maritime industry and it’s something I’m incredibly passionate about.
“What I find most encouraging about the Strategic Committee is the breadth of experience around the table and the shared commitment to seeing the Tees Valley succeed. I look forward to working closely with the Strategic Committee members and helping partners across the Cluster to build on our strengths, tackle the challenges ahead and help ensure our region continues to thrive as a leading maritime and industrial hub.”
Michelle Robson, Chief People & Compliance Officer at PD Ports, has been appointed Vice Chair.
Michelle said:
“As someone who is passionate about the future of Teesside, I am honoured to take on the role of Vice Chair of the Tees Maritime Cluster. The River Tees and North Sea have been at the heart of our region’s industrial success for generations, providing roles in the maritime sector for thousands of people, and will play an even bigger role in shaping its future.
“I am excited to work alongside partners across the Cluster to promote opportunities for local people, strengthen skills, and ensure the wider Tees Valley continues to thrive as one of the UK’s leading maritime and industrial regions.”
Gary and Michelle will lead a Strategic Committee representing businesses from across the maritime economy, each bringing different perspectives, experience and priorities to the table.
That collective commitment matters.
Tees Maritime was established to be private sector-led, with industry helping to determine where the Cluster can add most value. Our Strategic Committee Members make that possible, not simply by funding the work, but by actively shaping it.
As we move into the next phase of delivery, their leadership will help ensure the Cluster continues to respond to what industry needs, while using the collective strength of its membership to create opportunities that no individual organisation could deliver alone.
We would like to congratulate Gary and Michelle on their appointments, and thank every member of the Strategic Committee for the investment, time and trust they continue to place in Tees Maritime and the region it represents.