The Global Underwater Hub (GUH) has announced two new appointments tasked with expanding operations in energy transition and new bases south of the border.
The trade and development body, which represents the UK’s £8 billion underwater industry, announced new roles for Andy Williamson and Ricci Boston.
Formerly known as Subsea UK, GUH announced in May that it would open new offices in Newcastle’s Walker area and Bristol to add to its existing space in Westhill, Aberdeen.
Mr Williamson will take on the role of business development director and regional manager for the South of England.
Drawing on 30 years of experience in the underwater and renewable energy industries, he will lead on GUH strategic initiatives across the south east, south west, East Anglia, east and west Midlands, and Wales.
Mr Williamson was previously senior vice president for energy transition at energy industry skills body OPITO, where he worked with industry, and the UK and Scottish Governments on projects as part of the North Sea Transition Deal.
He has also held senior business development roles at Port of Blyth, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and Marubeni.
Mr Williamson said: “I’m thrilled to join Global Underwater Hub because the organisation is genuinely unique in supporting growth for businesses operating in the underwater sectors. The blue economy provides enormous potential for the UK supply chain globally, and we are here to help businesses take advantage of this exponential growth.
“In the south, our aim is to drive value for the UK underwater industry via cross-sectoral collaboration, notably in floating offshore wind, defence and marine science. Having a presence in the south allows us to support companies involved in the underwater industry and convene collaboration, which will stimulate investment, order book value, and job creation.”
© Supplied by Global Underwater HuMeanwhile, Ricci Boston will also take on the role of Regional Manager for the North of England and will be based in GUH’s new Newcastle office, setup of which was set to be completed in late July.
With a decade of experience in managing bids and managing major projects in the oil and gas, renewable energy, construction and engineering sectors, GUH said he was well-positioned to support its ambitions for the underwater sectors across the region.
Mr Boston added: “I’m delighted to become the North of England Regional Manager for Global Underwater Hub. My primary focus is to provide more opportunities and platforms for the underwater industry to come together and exchange knowledge and technologies.”
GUH says its new bases in Newcastle and Bristol will serve as multi-purpose working, meeting and event facilities – complete with TV studios – which will enable the organisation to forge greater cross-sector collaboration.
Chief executive Neil Gordon said the new hires were “invaluable additions” to the team.
“Andy’s knowledge and experience in business development will help strengthen the GUH team immensely and ensure we have the focus to support and develop our regional strategy for the South of England.
“Ricci’s experience and knowledge in the renewable sector, combined with his strategic expertise, will be invaluable to our organisation and members. GUH plays a fundamental role in future-proofing the underwater industry sectors, championing businesses within them, and creating opportunities for growth and innovation.
“With Ricci leading our efforts in the north, and Andy in the south, we are confident that we will further strengthen the sector and position the UK at the forefront of the global industry.”
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