From the new Chief Executive of SMI

Today, August 3^rd, marks a new dawn at the Society of Maritime Industries as after 19 years as CEO John Murray has now retired and Tom Chant has taken over the reins. 

John was given a socially distanced leaving lunch on Friday July 31^st when we were joined by SMI President Archie Bethel, and Chair Russell Gould, plus past Chair Peter French and retired staff members Clementina Upton and Christopher McHugh.

Tom Chant said:

“I enjoyed working with John for the last 3 and half years and I have done my best to “soak up” the customs and practices of SMI and its Councils. It is a challenging time to take over as CEO of SMI but in the membership we have the people, innovation and technologies needed to position the UK as a leader across the maritime engineering and business services space.  I am looking forward to working with the membership to develop their businesses and the business environment.” 

SMI will undergo a short period of transformation as Tom Chant’s internal promotion will bring in new staff.  Responsibilities for the Councils will be as follows: 

• Maritime Defence & Security Group (MDSG) and Digital Technology Group (DTG) – Secretary to these Councils will be SMI Programme Director Tim Currass
• Marine Science & Technology Group (MSTG) and Maritime Autonomous Systems Group (MASG) – the Secretary to these Councils has been recruited and will join on September 1^st
• Commercial Marine Group (CMG) and Ports & Terminals Group – the Secretary to these Councils is being recruited at present with a hoped for start date of October 1^st

It is also worth noting that our Operations Manager, Ava Catton, is heading off later this month to pursue a career in teaching. We have recruited a replacement Marketing and Operations Manager, who we expect to start shortly after Ava’s departure. 

Over the next few months we will continue with Zoom based Council meetings and look to add an interesting variety of webinars.  We will offer increased access to the office for hybrid physical and online Council meetings as members desire. 

Over the next few months we will continue with Zoom based Council meetings and look to add an interesting variety of webinars.  We will offer increased access to the office for hybrid physical and online Council meetings as members desire.  We will be manning the office 2-3 days a week through August, reviewing that of course in line with Government guidance as we head into the Autumn.  If you don’t have the necessary contact details for us please email Rebecca.Hawkins(at)maritimeindustries.org who can help you out.