Humber Marine and Renewables has appointed David Laister and Emma Lingard as new non-executive directors following the departure of former director Graham Billany and ex-chair Iain Butterworth.
The appointments come as the organization receives a significant grant from Maritime UK, further supporting its ongoing activities. The organization stated that Laister and Lingard’s strong communications expertise will be key in guiding its strategic direction moving forward.
“We are pleased to welcome both David and Emma to the leadership team. Their wealth of experience and strong backgrounds in communications will be invaluable as we continue to work towards our goals for the Humber region,” the organization said in a statement.
Laister, a well-known figure in the region, is no stranger to Humber Marine and Renewables. He previously hosted Offshore Wind Connections 2024 and has spent 18 years covering the sector as a business journalist. Laister is currently PR and media director at Fred Marketing, based in Hull, and has served on the board of Grimsby Renewables Partnership, which merged with Team Humber Marine Alliance in 2022 to form Humber Marine and Renewables.
“It is a pleasure to be involved in an organisation I’ve always had the utmost respect for, having supported the incredible events that bring key Humber businesses and industry leaders together,” Laister said. “The devolution agenda playing out in 2025 underlines the importance of pan-Humber organisations to the business community, so I’m delighted to be on board.”
Lingard joins the team after serving as corporate communications manager for Associated British Ports, overseeing communication across the four Humber ports. She has also worked for Seafish in a similar role and has experience as a journalist, including a tenure in local television.
“I’m delighted to join Humber Marine and Renewables as a non-executive director. The Humber region is at the forefront of the UK’s renewable energy revolution, and I’m excited to contribute my expertise to support its vision for sustainable growth and innovation,” Lingard said.
The organization is also in the process of appointing a new chair and business development manager to help implement the strategic plan that led to December’s successful funding bid.
Former chair Iain Butterworth, who is stepping down, reflected on the organization’s progress during his tenure. “We’ve truly come together as one voice for the region following the merger of Team Humber Marine Alliance and Grimsby Renewables Partnership, with clear recognition from government of further potential. I wish all well,” Butterworth said.
