MCA non-executive chair appointed for first time

Published: 19 October 2016
By Chris Haycock

A non-executive chair, with over 40 years of commercial experience, has been appointed to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for the first time, in a move that will help keep the UK at the forefront of global shipping.

Michael Parker will provide the MCA with vast experience, additional leadership and guidance as they continue to transform the agency.

The Secretary of State for Transport made the appointment, fulfilling one of the key recommendations of the Maritime growth study 2015.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:

This announcement coincides with the start of the countdown to London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2017 which will bring together global leaders from the maritime industry and showcase the best of the sector in the UK.

Lord Mountevans’ ‘Maritime growth study’ was published during LISW 2015 and this appointment implements one of the key recommendations from the study.

Michael Parker said:

This appointment is part of a wider commitment to generate growth in the maritime sector, encourage greater investment in the UK and promote the UK flag as a world-class register that attracts quality ship owners.

The maritime sector contributed at least £13.4 billion to the UK economy in 2014 and supports at least 111,000 jobs across the country.

Michael will formally take up the role in January 2017. He brings over 40 years of experience in the shipping industry to the role, most recently as the chairman of CMA CGM Holdings (UK) Ltd, part of the third largest container operator in the world. Michael is a past President of the UK Chamber of Shipping and past board member of the International Chamber of Shipping. He is a Shipwright and Freeman of the City of London, Chairman of the Ellerman Benevolent Fund and trustee of the Institute of Marine Engineers.