Following five years’ dedicated service as Chair of the MarRI-UK Working Group, Richard Westgarth is stepping down, with Jake Rigby from BMT assuming the role from June 2024.
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Richard, who has over 40 years of experience in the defence and maritime sectors, has been instrumental for MarRI-UK since its inception in 2019. He was pivotal in leading the original business case and has tirelessly promoted MarRI-UK as a vehicle for collaboration between the academic and industry. Through his extensive network, Richard introduced MarRI-UK to numerous companies. His extensive experience and professional guidance have been invaluable, benefiting each team member and strengthening MarRI-UK as it supports an important stage in UK maritime development with important national programmes like decarbonisation started to develop.
With his passion for maritime, Richard will remain in close contact with the sector, and be a Strategic Advisor to MarRI-UK.
Reflecting on his tenure, Richard expressed his gratitude to the MarRI-UK team and wished Jake well: “On stepping down and heading off into retirement, I would like to thanks all those who have worked with and supported MarRI-UK since its inception in 2019, in particular the “Core Team” in Strathclyde University and the working group members who have made it such a privilege to be involved. I’m sure Jake will continue to develop the amazing collaborations from across Industry and Academia. I wish MarRI-UK all the best for the future.”
Jake Rigby, currently Global Head of Innovation and Research at BMT, brings a strong background in maritime research and industry-academic collaboration. He stated, “It is an immense honour to take over the role of MarRI-UK Working Group Chair, following the remarkable legacy of Richard Westgarth. I am committed to continuing his excellent work and fostering the collaboration between industry and academia, a cause I am deeply passionate about.”
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Simon Reid, MarRI-UK Director, recognised Richard’s contributions and welcomed Jake: “I would like to recognise and thank Richard for his leadership, huge contribution and commitment to MarRI-UK over the years and I welcome Jake to the role as we progress our exciting and busy agenda in accelerating and delivering world leading maritime research and innovation.”