Global Underwater Hub strengthens team with key appointments

Global Underwater Hub (GUH), the trade and development body representing the UK's growing £8 billion underwater industry, has announced two strategic appointments.

Andy Williamson, Business Development Director and Regional Manager (South), Global Underwater Hub

Andy Williamson and Ricci Boston join GUH to drive growth and foster innovation across the underwater sector.

Andy Williamson has been appointed as the Business Development Director and Regional Manager for the South of England. With an impressive 30 years of experience in the underwater and renewable energy industries, Mr. Williamson will lead GUH's strategic initiatives across the South East, South West, East Anglia, East and West Midlands, and Wales.

Before joining GUH, Williamson held the position of Senior Vice President, Energy Transition at energy industry skills organisation, OPITO, where he played a vital role in supporting key projects under the North Sea Transition Deal on behalf of industry, UK, and Scottish Governments. Additionally, he has held senior business development roles at Port of Blyth, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and Marubeni Corporation.

Mr Williamson said: “I'm thrilled to join Global Underwater Hub because the organisation is genuinely unique in supporting growth for businesses operating in the underwater sectors. The blue economy provides enormous potential for the UK supply chain globally, and we are here to help businesses take advantage of this exponential growth.

“In the south, our aim is to drive value for the UK underwater industry via cross-sectoral collaboration, notably in floating offshore wind, defence and marine science. Having a presence in the south allows us to support companies involved in the underwater industry and convene collaboration, which will stimulate investment, order book value, and job creation.”

Throughout his career, Williamson has demonstrated exceptional acumen in commercial, major projects, and economic development within the energy domain. He has worked with prominent corporations, start-up innovators, R&D institutes, and governments across offshore wind, subsea, and marine and ports industry. Notably, he has been at the forefront of major clean technology and infrastructure developments, supply chain capacity building, and cross-sectoral knowledge transfer. As a dedicated STEM ambassador, he has actively supported initiatives encouraging young talent to contribute to the energy transition.

Ricci Boston, Regional Manager (North), Global Underwater Hub

Ricci Boston takes on the role of Regional Manager for the North of England and will be based in GUH's new Newcastle office, once opened. With a background in business development and client engagement for a major provider of engineering and management services to the energy industry, he brings valuable expertise to enhance member engagement in the North of England.

His decade-long experience in managing bids, mobilising and project managing large revenue projects in the oil & gas, power generation, renewable energy, construction, and engineering sectors positions him well to drive GUH's growth and initiatives for the underwater sectors in the region.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Boston said: “I'm delighted to become the North of England Regional Manager for Global Underwater Hub. My primary focus is to provide more opportunities and platforms for the underwater industry to come together and exchange knowledge and technologies.”

As part of its strategic expansion plans, GUH is opening offices in Newcastle and Bristol. These offices will serve as multi-purpose hot desking, meeting and event facilities, complete with TV studios, enabling GUH to foster even greater cross-sector collaboration and drive forward its vision for the industry.

Neil Gordon, CEO at GUH, said: “Andy and Ricci are invaluable additions to the Global Underwater Hub team. Andy's knowledge and experience in business development will help strengthen the GUH team immensely and ensure we have the focus to support and develop our regional strategy for the South of England.

“Ricci's experience and knowledge in the renewable sector, combined with his strategic expertise, will be invaluable to our organisation and members. GUH plays a fundamental role in future-proofing the underwater industry sectors, championing businesses within them, and creating opportunities for growth and innovation. With Ricci leading our efforts in the north, and Andy in the south, we are confident that we will further strengthen the sector and position the UK at the forefront of the global industry.”

GUH continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the underwater sectors by facilitating access to broader markets, providing new opportunities, and fostering connections.