Jim Teasdale, CEO of Mersey Maritime, has announced his retirement after 11 year at the helm of the industry representative body. His last day in the role will be tomorrow (Wednesday 30th September 2015).
Jim was a founder director of the Birkenhead based not-for-profit organisation, set up in 2003 to represent the interests of the Ports and Maritime Sector on Merseyside, by helping to create the right conditions for business growth.

He leaves Mersey Maritime in a healthy position, acting as a linchpin between the private and public sector.
Mr Teasdale said: “It’s been an honour and privilege to be involved with Mersey Maritime, initially as a director and, since 2004, as CEO.

“From the very start we knew that we had set ourselves a lifetime commitment; to bring the interests of the sector on Merseyside together and speak on its behalf with one voice.”

He continued: “During my time as Chief Executive, we’ve made real and tangible progress, with the Liverpool cluster now recognised nationally and internationally as an example of best practice. I’d like to thank my Board of Directors for their commitment and unfailing support and the Mersey Maritime team, who have helped steer the organisation through occasionally choppy waters to where we stand now: on the brink of exciting new developments with a blueprint for the future in our hands.

“Our close association with Liverpool John Moores University and Peel Ports Group (owner-operators of the Port of Liverpool and the Manchester Ship Canal), and other leading businesses on our membership list including Atlantic Container Line, Bibby Line Group and Cammell Laird, means that we are in a unique position to help and support local maritime businesses and their supply chains, ensuring that the sector is recognised as a clear economic driver for the region,” said Mr Teasdale.

“I’m stepping down into retirement confident that the future of Mersey Maritime is in good hands. Acting CEO Chris Shirling-Rooke has already taken up the mantle of leadership by continuing to promote and develop the strong alliances we have built with maritime businesses, training centres and universities across the UK and the EU to further the cause of our industry.”

Previously, Mr Teasdale was CEO at the then Laird Foundation, a Centre of Vocational Excellence in Marine Engineering, now known as Maritime and Engineering College North West (MECNW).  He will continue to serve as a director on the boards of both Mersey Maritime and MECNW.

Source: ShipManagementInternational