Providing world class corporate governance

Geoff Hodgson spent his early career in sales and marketing roles for multinational companies including Proctor and Gamble, Diageo and Coca Cola. He returned to the North East in 1994 to work for Newcastle Breweries, ultimately becoming Chief Executive of the Federation Brewery. He is currently working as an investor, advisor and mentor with a variety of local companies and has held a number of non-executive Board positions regionally.

Geoff is currently involved with the Nigel Wright Group, Clearly Drinks, Trustack and UMI amongst other business interests. He is also deputy chair of the Tyne & Wear Community Foundation and Durham School.

Geoff was appointed a Commissioner in 2012, became Deputy Chair in 2014 and Chair in 2016.

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 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.

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.

Under his guidance Port of Blyth has grown its trade and client list significantly and is seen as a key strategic UK offshore energy support base. Now one of the largest ports of its kind in the UK, Blyth is known as an ambitious and customer focused, modern port operation. Having established the nationally significant Energy Central initiative with Northumberland County Council, further major growth around the Blyth Estuary is anticipated.

Martin is a council member of the British Ports Association having served as Chair between 2018 and 2021, is a former council member of Maritime UK, a board director of Port Skills & Safety and sits on the executive group of Subsea NE.

Martin was appointed Chief Executive and a Commissioner in 2006.

Paul has over 35 years’ experience in the Energy industry having worked for a number of global companies including GE, Halliburton, Aker Solutions and mostly recently Royal IHC. During his career he has spent a significant amount of time living and working overseas including Australia, Norway, USA, Brazil and The Netherlands.

Paul returned to the North East in 2014 as Managing Director of IHC Engineering Business and subsequently became Executive Director in Royal IHC B.V leading the capital equipment businesses in the UK and The Netherlands prior to leaving them in 2020.

Paul was appointed as a Commissioner in 2021 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. She is the current Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

Lucy’s regional roles have included 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 England 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.