The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has confirmed the appointment of Mark Barclay as Non-Executive Chair. Mark will chair the UKHO Board in this independent position, bringing extensive experience from his career within global defence and aerospace organisations.
Mark also brings considerable expertise gained from holding several non-executive roles within the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Defence Business Services, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and the National Armament Directorate (NAD) Group’s Transition Board.
The UKHO Board oversees the organisation’s performance, providing support and challenge to ensure the effective delivery of its business strategy. As Chair, Mark will lead the Board, acting in the interests of the MOD and key stakeholders, as well as providing advice and guidance to Vanessa Blake, the UKHO’s Chief Executive.
In his role, Mark will support the UKHO in maintaining its status as a world-leading centre for hydrography, specialising in delivering marine geospatial data and expertise to support safe, secure and thriving oceans. This includes ensuring a clear strategic focus across key initiatives, including digital transformation, revenue growth, partnerships, and emerging opportunities.
As an executive agency of the MOD, the UKHO plays a vital role in supporting UK defence, delivering trusted hydrographic data, navigational information and geospatial intelligence to inform decision making.
Commenting on the appointment, Vanessa Blake, Chief Executive at the UKHO, said
I’m delighted by the appointment of Mark as Non-Executive Chair of the UKHO Board. The role is integral to ensuring the UKHO achieves its goals and supports UK defence and customers as the maritime industry evolves. Mark’s experience will be key as we continue our digital transformation journey.
Mark echoed this, saying
I’m excited to be joining the UKHO Board as the Non-Executive Chair and look forward to learning more about the geospatial services provided to our national and international customers. I’m also very excited about working with Vanessa and the Board to develop opportunities that will underpin UKHO’s role in this highly important global sector. In parallel, I’m pleased to support the UKHO’s role within the NAD Group, helping to actively contribute to the objectives of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review.