Page 34: of Marine Technology Magazine (September 2025)

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Vanessa Blake

Takes on the Role of CEO

By Celia Konowe his May, the UK Hydrographic Of? ce (UKHO) ap- background brings a fresh perspective to the leadership of the pointed Vanessa Blake as its chief executive, a role UKHO at an exciting and important time for the organization.” she had ? lled on an interim basis since May 2024.

Ahead of the currents

T Blake ? rst joined the UKHO in 2023 as chief cus- tomer of? cer, drawn by how the role leveraged all her experi- The UKHO boasts a rich and longstanding history of providing ence and skills while still presenting a new challenge. trusted navigational charts and information for more than 230 years. To date, 90% of ships trading internationally rely on the

Employing a marketing tack

UKHO’s ADMIRALTY products. In 2024, the UKHO received “I love the variety, the passion of the people here to share and processed 123 terabytes of bathymetric survey data, collect- our expertise and help mariners across the globe to navigate ed through partnerships with over 120 other hydrographic of- safely,” said Blake. “It’s an amazing organization, delivering a ? ces across the globe and over 250 ports in the UK and Ireland.

strong purpose for safe, secure and thriving oceans – and one “This collective effort enables us to produce the 20,000 that I am proud to work for.” Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) that are currently in “Prior to taking up the role of chief executive, my role as chief service via our ADMIRALTY Vector Chart Service (AVCS),” customer of? cer enabled me to gain a critical understanding she said. “Distributed by a network of 100 distributors, our of how our partners and customers trust and rely on us to be a portfolio of ADMIRALTY products and services are used on leading source of guidance and assurance, helping them to stay over 80,000 vessels worldwide and around 3,000 Defence one step ahead in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.” Service Delivery customers – supporting safe navigation and

Her career started in sales and marketing, becoming managing enhanced situational awareness.” director for a fundraising marketing agency. “I have specialized in customer experience and transformation for the last 25 years More data, better navigation and I have extensive experience of the commercialization of new In particular, the UKHO is engaged in the introduction of the products,” she added. “This strong commercial customer-centric International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) forthcom- 34 September/October 2025

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