The UK’s largest energy port, the Port of Milford Haven, has appointed Tom Sawyer as its new chief executive.
Mr Sawyer will officially start his position at the end of April, taking over from Andy Jones who previously announced his decision to step down from the role.
Mr Sawyer brings to the role more than 30 years’ experience working in defence, security, intelligence and technology organisations.
In 2017, he led the initial business set up and strategy development of BQ Solutions, a joint venture in Qatar. As the business development and solutions director, he led the engagement into Qatar’s Ministry of Defence and its Armed Forces and played a central role in winning significant business that provided his clients with operational and commercial advantage.
Chris Martin, chair of the Port of Milford Haven, 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.”
He added: “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.”
Mr Sawyer 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. 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.”
Recognised as the energy capital of the UK, the Port of Milford Haven is a key driver of economic activity in Pembrokeshire, attracting inward investment and supporting over 4,000 jobs. The Port also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Dock.
In June last year, the Port released its annual report, highlighting the challenging trading conditions felt in 2020 due to the pandemic, but said progress had been made with the Port’s flagship projects, Milford Waterfront and Pembroke Dock Marine, with construction beginning on the 100 bed Tŷ Hotel.
