SMI Strengthens Digital Technology Group Leadership With Senior Appointments from SpecTec and GE Vernova

The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI), the UK’s leading trade association for the maritime engineering, science and technology community, is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Dennett, Chief Executive Officer of SpecTec, as Chair, and Kevat Chavan, Strategic Sales and Innovation Leader at GE Vernova’s Power Conversion & Storage business, as Vice Chair of its Digital Technology Group (DTG). 

The DTG is SMI’s specialist council dedicated to accelerating the adoption of digital technologies across the maritime sector. Its remit spans areas including artificial intelligence, digital twins, data-driven decision support, cyber resilience and immersive operational technologies. The group brings together SMI members, academia and government stakeholders to support the deployment and scaling of digital solutions that enhance safety, resilience, efficiency and environmental performance across shipping, ports and the wider maritime supply chain.

As Chair, Adam Dennett will lead the strategic direction and programme of work of the DTG, represent the group across SMI governance forums and help position the UK as a global leader in maritime digitalisation. This will include championing practical, proven technologies that deliver measurable value for maritime operators and asset owners, while fostering collaboration and shared learning across the SMI membership.

Kevat Chavan, appointed Vice Chair, brings extensive experience at the intersection of digital innovation, energy systems and industrial transformation. In his role at GE Vernova’s Power Conversion & Storage business, he works with global customers on the deployment of advanced digital and decarbonisation technologies. Within the DTG, he will support the development of member-led initiatives, strengthen cross-sector engagement and help ensure that emerging digital solutions align with the evolving operational and sustainability challenges facing the maritime industry.

Tom Chant MBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Maritime Industries, said:

“The appointments of Adam and Kevat reflect the depth of digital and commercial expertise within the SMI membership. Their combined leadership will help the Digital Technology Group drive practical outcomes for our members, support greater collaboration across the sector and showcase the strength of the UK’s maritime digital capability on the international stage.”

Adam Dennett said:

“I’m honoured to chair the DTG at a moment when digital capability is reshaping how our industry operates. The priority now is practical impact, helping maritime organisations turn data into better decisions, strengthen cyber maturity, and deploy technologies that enhance performance and resilience across fleets and port operations. I look forward to working with SMI colleagues and partners across the sector to deliver tangible outcomes for the UK maritime community.”

Kevat Chavan added:

“Digital technology has a critical role to play in improving performance, resilience and sustainability across the maritime sector. I look forward to supporting the DTG’s work and collaborating with members to accelerate the adoption of innovative, scalable solutions.”

The Digital Technology Group plays a central role in SMI’s mission to support the competitiveness, innovation and global leadership of the UK maritime industry through member-led collaboration and thought leadership.