Valeport appoints new Innovation and Product Manager
Leading manufacturer of oceanographic and hydrographic instrumentation, Valeport, has appointed Iain Slade as Innovation and Product Manager. Iain comes from a position as a Surveyor and Hydrographic Training Programme Manager at Fugro and Fugro Academy.
In the newly created role at Totnes-based Valeport, Iain will be responsible for formulating ideas for new products and solutions, as well as managing the New Product Introduction (NPI) process from prototype to finished project. This includes reviewing existing products to ensure they remain relevant and meet customers’ current and future needs.
With over 18 years’ experience as an accredited hydrographic professional working within a range of sectors including: civil hydrography, marine renewables, coastal monitoring and offshore oil and gas, Iain has an established international reputation within the hydrographic community.
Iain has a strong commercial background and joins Valeport following 12 years across various roles at Fugro and Fugro Academy, where he was involved in operations offshore as a surveyor, and designing and delivering the internationally recognised FIG/IHO/ICA (IBSC) Category B Applied Hydrographic Survey Training Programme for Fugro Academy.
As a Director of The Hydrographic Society UK, Iain also helped manage the development, external accreditation and implementation of a Hydrographic Professional Accreditation Scheme (HPAS), and now sits on the International Federation of Hydrographic Societies (IFHS) HPAS steering committee as one of the UK representatives. Iain holds an MSc in Hydrography (IBSC Cat ‘A’ recognised Programme), and a BSc in Ocean Science from the University of Plymouth.
Commenting on his new role, Iain Slade said: “Having worked on the other side of the fence in the operational side of the industry, it’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to understand more about Valeport’s quality oceanographic and hydrographic instruments – equipment which I’ve been using throughout my entire career."
“Valeport is a small but incredibly fast-paced business with a global footprint and great reputation. I’m delighted to have joined the company at such an exciting time in the firm’s growth plan and to be working with a team of highly talented professionals, all with a clear, shared ambition and common goal to continue innovating and be the leading environmental sensor manufacturer.”
Kevin Edwards, Chief Commercial Operations, added: “As a hydrographic surveyor, Iain is exceptionally well-versed in hydrographic operations. His extensive industry knowledge, practical experience of working with Valeport products, and strong commercial background make him a brilliant asset to both our team and our clients. We’re truly excited to have him on board.”
ECO Magazine marks ten-year anniversary with editorial team changes
ECO Magazine (ECO), a leading trade publication reporting from the frontlines of applied marine environmental science, announced details of its newly restructured editorial team in the run up to its tenth year in circulation. The changes were announced by ECO’s publisher, Technology Systems Corporation (TSC) and include the appointment of a new editor, Haley McQueen, who joins TSC from FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. McQueen will assume the post on November 7 from the current editor Kira Coley, who, after four highly productive years at the helm, has left to pursue other opportunities.
McQueen will be supported by ECO’s world-recognized editorial board members, as well as the appointment of Ed Freeman, the current managing editor of Ocean News & Technology (ON&T) - TSC’s flagship ocean industries publication - to ECO’s editorial team.
“We are delighted to welcome Haley to TSC’s editorial team,” Freeman said. “Over the last decade, ECO’s editorial staff have worked diligently to curate the industry news, profile groundbreaking marine research, document relevant policy changes, and track the emerging commercial opportunities shaping the blue economy. I am confident that Haley’s in-field experience as a marine scientist and her honed skills as a journalist make her the ideal ambassador for the ECO Magazine.”
Speaking of the announcement, ECO Magazine’s new editor Haley McQueen commented: “I am thrilled to be joining TSC as ECO Magazine fast approaches this important ten-year milestone. I look forward to bringing our readers and advertising partners ever closer to the emerging science-related trends and topics set to define the next decade of marine exploration.”
Also new for 2023 is the introduction of ECO’s “Deep Dive” series, a three-part sequence of digital-only Special Editions that offer a more in-depth look at a particular field of ocean science, with Oceanography being the theme for 2023. The Deep Dive editions will be supported by the usual quarterly print editions, the topics of which next year will cover Ocean Exploration, Bio-resilient Coasts, Multidisciplinary Environmental Projects, and Fisheries & Aquaculture.
MacArtney appoints Global Business Manager to drive the company’s global strategy
As part of the strategy to strengthen and develop its core business within connectivity, MacArtney has appointed Paul Anthony as the new Global Business Manager, Connectivity, with effect from 1 October 2022.
This appointment is a step in MacArtney’s global strategy for its connectivity business to build on the company’s status as one of the major industry players and to support its growing global market share.
“MacArtney wants to build on our global position, reach and collaboration, working with clients and industry specifiers, through harmonising and developing our connectivity product portfolio,” Paul Anthony comments.
Connectivity solutions
Paul joined MacArtney in December 2021 as Senior Sales Manager, Connectivity. He is a qualified engineer with 30 years of experience working in industrial markets, including oil and gas and elastomers.
Such a background means he can discuss the technical aspects of connectors and ancillary applications on the same level as the customer and in considerable depth, along with a deep understanding of the market.
“Our goal is to provide quality, cost-effective and reliable connectivity solutions through the SubConn® and TrustLink brands. Furthermore, using our historical partnerships, we have the ability to design and deliver custom cable assemblies and complete connectivity systems for our customers,” Paul continues.
Global reach - local support
MacArtney’s 21 locations worldwide provide reach, coverage and local support for its customers.
The company is recognised as being agile, flexible, trusted and friendly with a high level of stock, short lead times and a global presence close to the customer.
“Our business evolves based on customers’ needs, and appointing a Global Business Manager is a logical move,” says Rasmus F. Bonde, MacArtney CCO, and concludes:
“Paul’s long experience in connectivity made him a natural choice when he joined us in December 2021. He shares MacArtney’s own global mindset and values in terms of openness, trust and approachability.
He is the perfect fit for taking on the role of executing our global connectivity strategy.”
Ashtead Technology announces leadership appointment
International subsea equipment rental and solutions specialist, Ashtead Technology, has appointed a new leader for its Mechanical Solutions service line to accelerate the delivery of its global growth strategy.
James Christie, who is Regional Director for Ashtead Technology’s Asia Pacific region, and has been with the company for over three years, also assumes the role of Head of Mechanical Solutions as the company looks to cement its market position as a leader in IMR and decommissioning services for the global offshore energy sector.
Mr Christie has over 22 years’ subsea industry experience following a career that has seen him accumulate extensive experience of both offshore and shore based ROV and life of field operations. In his expanded role, Mr Christie will continue to be based in Singapore and will work with Ashtead Technology’s regional teams to grow the company’s capabilities and drive forward the international expansion of its mechanical solutions service line which specialises in subsea cutting, dredging, coating removal technologies and ROV tooling & associated services all built through the acquisitions of Forum Subsea Rentals, Underwater Cutting Solutions, Aqua-Tech, and most recently, WeSubsea.
Allan Pirie, Ashtead Technology’s CEO, said: “James has been instrumental in supporting the international growth of the business during his time with us so far and based on his background and expertise in the subsea IMR and decommissioning sectors he was a natural choice to take on this growth focused role.
“This appointment comes at a time where there is tremendous scope to grow our mechanical solutions business internationally and through ongoing investment in our equipment, people and infrastructure, we look forward to capitalising on these opportunities globally.”
Mr Christie, added: “I am thrilled to take on this leadership role at such an exciting and pivotal stage in Ashtead Technology’s growth journey and work with my mechanical solutions colleagues across our international locations to continue to deliver best-in-class technologies and services to support our customers’ offshore energy projects.”
Ashtead Technology Bolsters Leadership Team With New Senior Appointment
International subsea equipment rental and solutions specialist Ashtead Technology has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Bob Gillespie as Commercial Director.
The appointment underlines the company’s strategic growth plans as it looks to strengthen its leading position in the global offshore energy market, expand its geographical footprint and enhance its product and service offering across its three service lines - survey and robotics, mechanical solutions and asset integrity.
Mr Gillespie brings a wealth of experience to the role having held various senior positions in the offshore renewables and subsea oil & gas sectors, most recently with Havfram where he was UK Managing Director. Prior to that, he held senior commercial positions with Fugro, TechnipFMC and McDermott before becoming UK Managing Director of DOF Subsea.
In his new role, Mr Gillespie will work with the senior management and regional teams to further strengthen existing capability across Ashtead Technology’s core markets and drive forward the company’s growth strategy.
Allan Pirie, Ashtead Technology’s CEO, said: “We are thrilled to welcome someone of Bob’s stature to the team which is a great endorsement of our strategy and ambition.
“This is an important and strategic appointment for the company, and I very much look forward to working with Bob, and leveraging his expertise, to enhance our capabilities and competitive market position in order to support our customers more widely in the delivery of the energy transition.”
Mr Gillespie, Ashtead Technology’s Commercial Director, said: “Ashtead Technology is an ambitious company with a first-class reputation and I am delighted to be joining the business at such a pivotal and exciting time in its evolution.". “With recent successes in new and emerging markets, including offshore wind and decommissioning, Ashtead Technology has huge potential for growth and I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues around the world and supporting the company’s future aspirations.”
Jason Barfield Joins Teledyne Marine’s Americas Sales Team
Teledyne Marine is pleased to announce that Jason Barfield has joined the organization in the role of Technical Sales Manager for Teledyne Marine’s Instruments and Imaging technology verticals. Based out of Texas, Jason’s focus will be on serving customers in the offshore energy sector throughout North America, South America, and Canada.
Jason began his career at Trelleborg Offshore US, where he served in progressive roles, including operations manager, project manager, and sales manager. Jason will apply his experience, industry knowledge and talents to serve Teledyne Marine’s growing customer base engaged in offshore oil, gas, and renewable energy applications.
Jamie Carrig, Vice President Business Development shares: “We’re very excited to welcome Jason to the Teledyne Marine team. Jason will be focused on supporting our offshore energy customers to ensure they get optimized solutions and support from our industry leading range of our Marine Instrumentation and Imaging products. We are very confident in his ability to succeed in this role and look forward to continuing to strengthen our customer relationships.”
Jason Barfield adds: “I’m excited to join a global leader in the marine market and look forward to working with our customers to solve their toughest challenges.”
TDI-Brooks Adds Rich Hendren Ph.D To The Executive Leadership Team
Rich retired from the U.S. Navy after over 30 years of service in submarines, submarine support, and shore installation management. Transitioning to civilian life, he gained additional management experience in the professional training, maritime, petroleum, and hydrographic survey industries where he built a history of leading teams to success in complex operations often in challenging environments. His strong background in operations, process control, safety, security, and quality management will help us meet the challenges of flawless operations.
Rich may be reached via his email [email protected]
