Tees Maritime Appoints Strategic Committee to Help Shape the Future of the Cluster
Tees Maritime has appointed its first Strategic Committee, bringing together senior leaders from across the region to help shape the long-term direction of the cluster and ensure its work continues to reflect the needs of industry.
The Committee represents a broad cross-section of the Tees Valley’s maritime economy, with members from ports, logistics, engineering, infrastructure, clean energy, law, insurance and regional economic development. Collectively, they bring decades of experience, strategic insight and a shared commitment to helping the Tees Valley’s maritime economy thrive.
The Strategic Committee brings together:
- Gary Dawson, AV Dawson
- Craig Garbutt, Steel River Quay
- Neil Young, Tees Valley Combined Authority
- Michelle Robson, PD Ports
- Nik Tunley, Ward Hadaway
- Jonathan Willett, Attis Insurance Brokers
- Mike Pettigrew, ASCO
- Stephen Browell, PC Logistics
- Derek Bulmer, GeoPura
The Committee met for the first time earlier this year, agreeing the cluster’s priorities for 2026/27. Those priorities are already being translated into delivery, including securing recognition for maritime within the Tees Valley Local Skills Improvement Plan, influencing the Local Growth Plan, strengthening engagement with Government on future workforce challenges, and supporting the next generation through the work of the Tees Maritime Youth Board.
Jo Vinton, Operations Director at Tees Maritime, said:
“One of the strengths of Tees Maritime has always been its ability to bring the right people together around shared opportunities and shared challenges. The Strategic Committee builds on that by bringing together senior leaders from across our sector to help shape where we go next.
“The breadth of knowledge and experience around the table is already making a real difference. Our first strategy session challenged us, strengthened our thinking and helped set the priorities that are now guiding our work. I’m looking forward to working with the Committee as we continue turning those priorities into action.”
Chair and Vice Chair appointments will be confirmed following the current nominations process.
The Strategic Committee forms part of Tees Maritime’s wider commitment to ensuring the cluster remains industry-led, collaborative and focused on delivering long-term value for the businesses and organisations it represents.