Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has appointed two non-executive directors from the offshore wind industry.
Benj Sykes (pictured), who is head of UK market development, consenting and external affairs at Orsted, and Julian Brown, former vice president and country manager of MHI Vestas, will join ORE Catapult’s board, from 1 June 2021.
ORE Catapult chairman Colin Hood said: “The offshore wind industry lies at the heart of the UK’s drive for net zero and the levelling up agenda across the country.
“With ORE Catapult’s focus on driving innovation to realise the huge economic and job potential from this green revolution, the extensive, varied and unique industry experience that Benj and Julian together bring to our board will be invaluable to our future success and impact”.
Sykes said: “The offshore wind industry has made huge strides in the UK in recent years but there is still lots more to do to secure both net zero and a green economic recovery throughout the country.
“ORE Catapult must continue to grow its leading role in driving innovation and growth to capture this opportunity, and I am excited to be able to join their board at such a critical time”.
Brown added: “It’s great to be joining the Board of ORE Catapult. I have supported the development of the Catapult as a challenging friend since its inception.
“Joining the board, I am keen to encourage the team to even greater ambition, building on the great work already achieved.”
Following a maximum term of six years serving on the ORE Catapult board, Julia King, the Baroness Brown of Cambridge, has stepped down from her non-executive role.
Baroness Brown said, “Over the past six years we have seen the cost of renewable energy tumbling, a sector deal between the offshore wind industry and Government, and binding commitments to achieving carbon reduction targets.
“It is great to be leaving the Catapult in such a strong position, and I look forward to seeing it continue to play a critical role in reaching the Government’s target of 40GW of offshore wind by 2030, with real economic and employment benefits throughout the country”.