New directors for key regional business organisation

Humber Marine and Renewables is entering the new financial year with a crew change. 

Two new directors have been welcomed on board the regional trade organisation, where activities have been buoyed by the receipt of a significant grant from Maritime UK.

David Laister and Emma Lingard are now supporting the strategic direction, bringing strong communications acumen to the leadership team. The new directors have been appointed following the departure of Graham Billany, and former chair Iain Butterworth. Humber Marine and Renewables is in the process of appointing a new chair, as well as a business development manager, to help deliver the strategic plan that formed December’s successful bid.

David is no stranger to Humber Marine and Renewables, having hosted Offshore Wind Connections 2024 and extensively covered the sector’s happenings in an 18-year stint as a business journalist in the region. He is now PR and media director at Hull-based Fred Marketing, and had also served on the board of Grimsby Renewables Partnership (which in 2022 merged with Team Humber Marine Alliance to create Humber Marine & Renewables) between 2016 and 2019.

He said: “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. 

“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.”

For the past three years Emma has worked for Associated British Ports as corporate communications manager for the four Humber ports. She had previously served Seafish in a similar role, and has also worked as a journalist in the region, including a stint on local television. Emma also leads guided history walks around northern Lincolnshire and delivers history talks. Her knowledge and media skills have led to appearances on Radio Four and Who Do You Think You Are? - which recently led to a Michael McIntyre parody. 

Of her appointment, Emma said: “I’m delighted to join Humber Marine & 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.”

Mr Butterworth, a lawyer and marine engineer, was at the helm for the beginning of a new chapter for Humber Marine & Renewables, notably the repositioning to include North Yorkshire’s coastal communities, the addition of the Humber Renewables Awards to the organisation’s event schedule and the recent funding win.

He said: “It was a good time to step down after overseeing a significant period of activity for Humber Marine & Renewables. 

“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.”

Humber Marine & Renewables is now welcoming applications for the role of chair. Interested parties should email marygreen@humber-marine-renewables.co.uk.

Offshore Wind Connections returns on April 30 with Humber Renewables Awards closing the conference and exhibition on the evening of May 1. For more information, tickets, and nominations, visit www.humber-marine-renewables.co.uk