Providing world class corporate governance

Catherine Young qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG before going on to spend time both in practice and industry, including with PwC and Reg Vardy PLC. Catherine has current roles in EdTech and not-for-profit businesses and has previously served in several other non-executive roles. These include as Senior Independent Director and Vice Chair at the North East Ambulance Service, as a Governor at the University of Sunderland and as Chair of Audit Committee at national charity Breast Cancer Care. Catherine brings her experience in governance, board reporting and accountancy to her role as a Commissioner.

Catherine was appointed a Commissioner in 2015, Deputy Chair in 2022 and Chair in 2024. 

Martin was appointed Chief Executive by Blyth Harbour Commission in 2006 having previously held the roles of Deputy Chief Executive and Commercial & Operations Director. He also acts as Chair of the commission’s logistics subsidiary Transped.

Martin is a council member of the British Ports Association, having served as Chair between 2018 and 2021, a board director of Port Skills & Safety, Chair of regional flagship skills and education initiative, Energy Central Campus, and has held positions on a number of regional economic and strategic boards.

Having overseen the Port of Blyth’s significant growth over recent years into one of the UK’s largest Trust Ports, and contributed to the wider sector nationally, Martin was awarded an OBE for services to the Ports, Maritime and Offshore Energy Industry in 2024.

Martin was appointed Chief Executive and a Commissioner in 2006.

Paul has extensive operational and board experience in the Energy and Marine industries having worked for a number of global companies including GE Oil & Gas, Halliburton, Aker Solutions and Royal IHC. During his career, he has spent significant time overseas developing and delivering opportunities which included extended periods in Australia, Norway, USA, Brazil, and the Netherlands. Most recently, Paul was Managing Director of Royal IHC in the UK and the Executive Director of Royal IHC B.V with the responsibility for leading the group’s capital equipment businesses.

Paul was appointed as a Commissioner in 2021, Deputy Chair in 2024 and is Chair of the Audit Committee.

Richard Turner is Chief Executive of Geoquip Marine, whilst holding a number of non-executive and advisory positions in the energy sector including the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership
(OWGP). Previously, Richard was Chief Executive of Bel Valves & BEL Engineering, President and CEO of JDR Cables and member of the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC). Prior to JDR, Richard worked for Technip Umbilical Systems, where he was Vice President of Global Manufacturing. Earlier in his career Richard worked in the construction equipment industry with Komatsu and Terex. He has a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MBA from Durham University.

Richard was appointed as a Commissioner in 2021.

Lucy Winskell OBE is His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Tyne and Wear.

Previously Pro Vice-Chancellor (Employability & Partnerships) at Northumbria University, Lucy was a member of the Executive team after transitioning into higher education following a 28-year career as a litigation lawyer.

Lucy’s non-executive career has been focused on economic growth and regeneration within the North East.

Lucy’s regional roles have included Chair of the North East Local Enterprise  Partnership; Chair of the North east Combined Authority; Board Member of the North East Regional Investment Fund and North East Access to Finance (both supporting SME growth); non-executive Director of Government Office North East; Chair of the North East Industrial Development Board; Board Member of ING; and Chair of Board, North East Chamber of Commerce.

Lucy is a strong advocate for the region at a national level. As a member of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, she highlighted the importance of the cultural and creative sector in a regional economy and as Vice Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) she ensured a regional voice formed part of BCC’s lobbying and policy work.

Lucy was appointed as a Commissioner in 2023.

Andrew is CEO of ITS, a system integration company focused on regulated industries and also holds a number of non-executive and advisory positions.

Most relevant to the Port is his Chairmanship role at NOF, a UK wide business development membership organisation working in the energy sector, who also owns and operates Energi Coast.

Previously, Andrew was Chief Executive Officer of ITI, a UK wide technology company. Early in his career, Andrew qualified as a chartered engineer with Assystem, a global consultancy, engineering and project management company.

Andrew was appointed as a Commissioner in 2024.