The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) has announced the appointment of Caroline Jupe as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective from 1 February 2023.

She will replace Theresa Crossley who will be retiring next year following a five-year tenure but remaining in a support role to help with preparations for the IMRF’s World Maritime Rescue Congress, which will be held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in June 2023.

Dean Lawrence, IMRF Chair, said, "We are delighted that Caroline has emerged as the best candidate from a strong field of applicants. Her commitment to supporting IMRF members, combined with her enthusiasm and vision for the organisation, really shines through. We are confident that she is the right person to build on the huge progress that has been made in the past five years and to lead the organisation into the next stage of its development.

"We would like to thank Theresa Crossley, our outgoing CEO, who has guided the organisation through a challenging time and leaves it in a stronger position than it was when she joined us,” he added.

Caroline joined the IMRF in March 2016 as Fundraising Manager before becoming the organisation’s Head of Fundraising & Projects. She has played a key role in the development of several IMRF initiatives designed to improve the capabilities and best practices of search-and-rescue organisations around the world.

These include #WomenInSAR, which aims to increase the representation of women in the maritime sector, and #SARyouOK?, a campaign to increase awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues faced by SAR personnel.

"Maritime SAR is constantly evolving in response to new challenges, but we are stronger when we face those challenges - and work out solutions - together. That sharing of experience is at the heart of the IMRF and I am really excited to have the opportunity to lead this fantastic organisation as it continues to support the development of global SAR," Caroline said.

As of the end of 2021, the IMRF has 123 members from 53 countries.

In south Wales the Port of Milford Haven which is the UK’s largest energy port, has announced the appointment of ‘Tom Sawyer’ as its new chief executive officer. 

Tom will officially start his position at the end of April 2022, taking over from Andy Jones who previously announced his decision to step down from the role. Tom brings significant leadership experience, having spent three and a half decades delivering value and impact for organisations spanning defence, security, intelligence, and technology.

Chris Martin, Port of Milford Haven Chair, said: “I am pleased to welcome Tom to the Port of Milford Haven. His personal leadership and engagement style will be key to the continued success and delivery of our strong values and culture development that has been supported by the management team and embraced by the rest of the organisation in recent years.

“Tom joins us at a very exciting time as we strengthen our core service offering and seek to deliver on our ambitious diversification strategy. His experience and expertise will be invaluable as we support the Nation’s drive to Net-Zero.”

In 2017, Tom led the initial business set up and strategy development of BQ Solutions, a Joint Venture in Qatar. Then, as the Business Development and Solutions Director, he was in the vanguard of the engagement into Qatar’s Ministry of Defence and its Armed Forces and played a central role in winning and delivering significant business that provided his clients with operational and commercial advantage. As a result, BQ Solutions is now a valued member of the Barzan Holdings family of companies; an organisation which prides itself on the substantial benefits that it’s programmes and investments provide across the State of Qatar.

Tom said: “I am thrilled to be returning to Wales and to have been given this opportunity to make a contribution to the future prosperity, quality of life and wellbeing of the people of Pembrokeshire. Having family that live and work here, and having formed some of my fondest memories in the County, it is a place that I care deeply about. I cannot wait to throw myself into this challenging role and to work with stakeholders to grow the business, build for the future, and ensure the long term relevance of the Port to the region and Nation.”