Sian
Dr Sian George
Chair

Biography to follow.

Portrait of board member Debra Bowen Rees
Debra Bowen Rees
Non-Executive Director

Debra developed her extensive experience in stakeholder relations during her role as CEO at Cardiff Airport. She has an in-depth understanding of Welsh political and business environments, building on experience gained as Senior Officer in the Armed Forces working in diverse functional areas across and beyond government including international engagement and influence. As an experienced Board Director, she brings an important dynamic to the Board as it diversifies and as its stakeholder base broadens.

Joined: 2020

Overview: Stakeholder Engagement

Board member Erica Cassin
Erica Cassin
Non-Executive Director

Erica has over 20 years’ experience in the Human Resources sector holding senior positions with many household names. She is passionate about empowering people to reach their full potential and fostering environments where every individual can thrive by being their true authentic self. An experienced HR coach, she has led significant organisational transformation, reshaping companies and business models to adapt to advances in market conditions, while improving their performance and effectiveness. Erica’s strengths in leading cultural change is invaluable in her role on the Port’s Board as it focuses on its own culture during an exciting time of diversification.

Joined: 2020

Overview: Human Resources

James Nyhan
James Nyhan
Non-Executive Director

James’ focus is on addressing the energy transition challenges and opportunities for the Port. With over 30 years of international experience in the energy sector, he has a clear understanding of traditional and developing energy markets having worked in various roles with Royal Dutch Shell. He brings wide ranging commercial experience to his role as a Non-Executive Director and aims to continue the progress made on energy developments within the Port for the benefit of the wider community of west Wales.

Joined: 2020

Overview: Energy

Gareth Powell
Gareth Powell
Non-Executive Director

With over 30 years experience working in the public, private and voluntary sectors, Gareth has an exceptional understanding of business operations with particular focus on financial operations, governance, strategic management, business growth management and stakeholder alignment. Trained as a Chartered Accountant, Gareth was most recently the Chief Operating Officer of BBC Cymru Wales and a Member of the BBC Cymru Wales Board.  

Joined: 2024

Overview: Finance, Risk 

David Martin
Non-Executive Director

David has worked with Linklaters LLP since 2000 and has been a Partner since 2012. He has worked in the firm’s London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Hong Kong offices. He brings a deep wealth of experience in infrastructure projects in the ports, shipping and airports sectors, with direct experience in freeports. He is considered a market leading adviser on digital/telecoms infrastructure. David grew up in Pembrokeshire and, with strong family links in the county and in particular Milford Haven, remains a frequent visitor. He has recently started to learn Welsh.  

Joined: 2024

Overview: Legal, Commercial 

James Higham
Non-Executive Director

James has over 35 years experience in marine operations gained during his career with the Royal Navy. He led on the engineering and technical aspects of all Royal Naval and Royal Fleet Auxiliary shipping and was a Naval Base Commander for Portsmouth. He brings extensive experience in marine operational safety, risk and strategic leadership, and advises at UK government level.  

Joined: 2024

Overview: Marine

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven with the Waterway in the background
Tom Sawyer
Chief Executive and Executive Director

A passionate advocate for the opportunities presented by Pembrokeshire and the region, Tom’s focus is to drive performance, strengthen existing relationships and build sustainable future propositions. He works alongside the Board and the Leadership Team to ensure the continued smooth running of the Port’s core operations while overseeing the exciting next chapter in the Port’s continued transformation.

Jonathan Chitty, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at the Port of Milford Haven
Jonathan Chitty
Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director

Jonathan ensures the business and the Board are appropriately advised on all financial matters with experience across multi-sectors, and in financial management and strategy. He brings wide reaching commercial and operational insights, focused on maintaining effective core services while exploring new ventures.

Harbourmaster and Marine Director, Mike Ryan
Mike Ryan
Harbourmaster and Executive Director

Responsible for the safe use of the Waterway by all users, Mike works with the Board and the operational business units to ensure our marine operations work effectively, and that we maintain the level of service our customers expect from us. Gained during a long naval career, Mike brings extensive experience in managing complex operational situations. His focus is on delivering strategic and operational goals, and on maximising efficiencies and best practice in a safe working environment.

The Board

The Board is instrumental in shaping our strategic and operational developments. Our Non-Executive Directors are well-positioned to support our diversification strategy as well as our core operations.

The Board is accountable for the proper exercise of the Port's statutory functions, the identification and setting of business policies, the delivery of port and harbour services, as well as the provision of oversight and direction in relation to the safety of operations and the financial performance of all activities.

The Board meets regularly (at least six times a year).

Currently, the Milford Haven Port Authority Act 2002 provides for a board consisting of a non-executive Chair, up to nine other non-executive members and up to three executive members (currently the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, and Harbourmaster). The Chair is appointed by the Secretary of State and all other non-executive appointments are made by the Port, three of which are made in close consultation with Pembrokeshire County Council.

Non-executive members in all categories are sought so as to provide a mix of experience and expertise in areas including, but not exclusive to, port management, shipping, navigation, environmental conservation, finance, commerce, local government and organised labour.

 

A Trust Port is a valuable asset presently safeguarded by the existing board whose duty it is to hand it on in the same or better condition to succeeding generations.

This is the ultimate responsibility of the Board, and future generations are the ultimate stakeholder.

 

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