Two new directors have been appointed to regional trade organisation Humber Marine and Renewables.
David Laister and Emma Lingard (both pictured) have been appointed following the departure of Graham Billany, and former chair Iain Butterworth.
Activities at the organisation have been buoyed by the receipt of a significant grant from Maritime UK.
The organisation said the pair will now support its strategic direction, bringing strong communications acumen to the leadership team.
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 funding bid.
Laister 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 previously served on the board of Grimsby Renewables Partnership, which merged with Team Humber Marine Alliance in 2022 to create Humber Marine and Renewables.
Laister 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, Lingard 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.
Of her appointment, Lingard said: “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.”
Butterworth, a lawyer and marine engineer, said the time was right for him 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,” he said.