JDR Cable Systems has appointed former UK Trade Commissioner Jonathan Knott CMG as deputy chief executive officer to support its international growth and operational scaling.
The company said the newly created role reflects rising global demand for subsea cable and energy infrastructure solutions across offshore markets.
Knott brings senior leadership experience from international trade and diplomacy, including roles as HM trade commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean and as British ambassador to Poland and Hungary, according to JDR.
In these positions he led large teams and strengthened trade relationships across global markets.
Jonathan Knott CMG, deputy chief executive officer of JDR, said: “JDR is a company with deep industrial roots and a strong record of delivery, with exceptional prospects for the future.”
“I was particularly drawn to its world-leading products and commitment to safety and quality, as well as the way it invests in its people and local communities,” Knott added.
He stated: “Being part of the TFKable Group since 2017 has further strengthened JDR’s technical capability and global reach, combining subsea and land cable expertise to support complex offshore energy projects worldwide.”
He said: “My focus is on building on what is already strong, ensuring we have the capabilities in place to meet growing global energy demand, while continually improving efficiency and sustainability.”
“Bringing the Blyth facility into live operations marks a major milestone for JDR and the start of a transformational period,” Knott added.
He stated: “Alongside strengthening our international delivery capability, I look forward to seeing the facility flourish as a cornerstone of our future growth and UK manufacturing capability.”
JDR is advancing its £130 million high-voltage subsea cable manufacturing facility in Cambois near Blyth as part of its strategy to expand high-voltage capability and strengthen the offshore energy supply chain.
The investment is supported under the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support Scheme and represents a major regeneration project on the site of a former coal-fired power station.
Monika Cupiał-Zgryzek, chief executive officer of JDR, said: “Jonathan joins us at an exciting and important moment for JDR.”
“We are expanding our high-voltage portfolio, investing in UK manufacturing and strengthening our global presence,” Cupiał-Zgryzek added.
She said: “His international experience and strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to evolve and scale.”
“As part of the TFKable Group, we are uniquely positioned to combine global manufacturing expertise with strong local delivery capability across key offshore markets,” she stated.