Lesley was appointed CEO of British Marine in 2018. Prior to joining, Lesley was Managing Director at MDL Marinas, Europe’s leading Marina operator. Previous to this, her commercial career has spanned leisure, consumer goods, media and IT and she was also a Director of the Money Advice Service, leading corporate services and heading up the Service’s debt advice programme in the UK.

At British Marine, Lesley is an executive main board director with specific responsibility for the strategic direction of the organisation, working in conjunction with both board and members, and its execution through her team at Marine House.

She is also Vice Chair and Trustee of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, a Trustee of Ocean Youth Trust South and a Non-Executive Director of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives.

Fran Collins joined Red Funnel as CEO in June 2018, having spent over 20 years in the merchant navy. In November 2019 Fran received the Merchant Navy Medal for her contribution to the shipping industry.

Fran was previously at Condor Ferries, where she was Chief Officer. On gaining her Master Mariners unlimited, she subsequently became Condor’s first female Master.

In 2008 Fran transferred into shore-based management, and since then has continued to develop her career through several executive roles which have included operational management, business leadership and the delivery of strategic projects.

Alastair joined ABP as Regional Director for the Southampton Region in May 2016.

Prior to joining ABP Alastair spent much of his career in the aviation industry, where his degree in mechanical engineering, along with his accountancy experience, enabled him to support airlines and airports worldwide in strategy formulation, business and performance development and restructuring. This experience has helped develop Southampton’s profile as the UK’s number one export port, Europe’s number one cruise turnaround port, and a critical link in supply chains serving businesses and manufacturers throughout the nation.

John joined DP World in February 2021 after returning to the UK following an international career in the global logistics industry with P&O Containers, P&O Nedlloyd, Maersk and APM Terminals.

Over the last 20 years he has lived and worked in a variety of international supply chain roles in the Netherlands, Denmark, Chile, China and the United States.

John has been responsible for developing business across the maritime, port and inland transport modes and has a keen interest in accelerating the journey towards more sustainable international logistics.

As UK Commercial and Supply Chain Director (now Vice President Commercial & Supply Chain, UK) John is responsible for creating and sharing value with DP World’s customers as a trusted supply chain partner.

Philippa joined LA Marine as a partner in 2021. Philippa previously qualified and worked for almost 10 years at one of the leading specialist shipping law firms in London, including 3 years in their Shanghai office, before moving to a leading P&I Club where she became a Senior Claims Director specialising in Freight, Demurrage & Defence.

Philippa has a strong background in commercial shipping, with a focus on charterparty and other contractual disputes, and has advised many international, high-profile companies on a wide range of issues. Philippa also now works closely with the leisure marine and superyacht sectors, providing advice on contentious, non-contentious and regulatory matters.

Philippa’s P&I Club background and experience of working closely with shipowners and operators enables her to provide quick, commercial and practical advice that is focused on the business needs of her clients. She also has a particular interest in East Asia, having a BA in Mandarin, spent several years living and working in Shanghai and the last few years working with the Japanese market.

Philippa is a Supporting Member of the LMAA and is regularly involved in events and projects for industry bodies such as LSLC, YMP, WISTA and BIMCO.

Fiona has 24 years of experience in the port industry having been with Solent Stevedores since its inception.

As Managing Director, Fiona has worked alongside Stuart to grow the business from its earliest days to now more than 250 employees, Fiona has had a crucial role in establishing Solent Stevedores at seven different port locations internationally.

On a day-to-day basis Fiona works closely with the Directors to lead the company with a focus on people management, training, and development.

Brian returned to British Marine in February 2019 after working for the National Caravan Council as their Head of Government Relations and Policy. Before that, Brian spent 13 years at British Marine, first joining in 2005 as Environment Executive before progressing to Head of External Relations.

Brian is a member of British Marine’s Senior Leadership Team and is responsible for the development and delivery of strategic policy direction for the Association and implementing substantive change through key stakeholder management. He also heads up British Marine’s Members Relations team who provide a wide range of member benefits and services.