Leading lawyer to take the helm of Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises Ltd

A key organisation at the fore of Grimsby’s defining industries has appointed a new chief executive.

Highly regarded maritime lawyer Andrew Oliver is to take the helm of Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises Ltd. He will succeed the retiring Martyn Boyers, having served as chairman of the organisation that oversees the fish market and wider dock operations for the past four years. 

The group of companies has embraced offshore wind’s emergence over the past two decades, with vital training, vessel maintenance and other quayside facilities now provided through dedicated business units. It sits alongside the traditional fish auction, continuing near-shore landings and direct business-to-business seafood sales and logistics provision that are at the very heart of the town’s famous trade. 

Mr Oliver said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge of leading such a diverse organisation, which is etched into the fabric of a great seafaring town. 

“Having served as chair for the past four years, it is clear to me how passionate the team are about the role we play in enabling Grimsby to rightly be recognised as Europe’s seafood capital and the pre-eminent UK offshore wind cluster. 

“Opportunities abound to maximise the role of the first port on the Humber, with our combined expertise across two key sectors.”  

The experienced marine, fisheries, environmental and regulatory lawyer will step down as partner with pan-Humber regional legal firm Andrew Jackson, becoming a consultant to the firm he has been with for the past 37 years. 

Managing partner, Mark Pearson-Kendall, said: “Andrew is highly respected and recognised leader in his field and has undoubtedly furthered the expertise and reputation of a firm founded with maritime law at its core, just over 150 years ago. 

“This exciting new role clearly fits with his breadth of experience, and he takes it on with our thanks for his unstinting service, which I’m delighted to see will continue with us in a new capacity.”

Mr Boyers’ retirement was announced in late January. His guidance in the transition from pure fishing handling business to a multi-faceted organisation was recognised as he was wished a long, happy and healthy retirement by the board and the 40-strong team.

Mr Oliver will remain as chair of regional trade organisation Humber Marine & Renewables, but will step down as chair of GFDE, the umbrella organisation including Grimsby Fish Market (auction and trading arms), Port of Grimsby East, Grimsby Shipyard Services and Offshore Training Centre Grimsby, in the coming weeks, with the board to appoint his successor in due course.