Mersey Maritime, which represents Merseyside’s £5bn maritime industry, appoints Ruth Wood as interim chief executive amid the departure of Chris Shirling-Rooke. Tony McDonough reports

Ruth Wood has been appointed interim chief executive of Mersey Maritime amid the departure of Chris Shirling-Rooke who is leaving to head up Maritime UK.

Joining Mersey Maritime five years from Port of Liverpool operator Peel Ports, Ruth took on the role of head of commercial. During her eight years at Peel Ports she played a key role in the opening of the £400m Liverpool2 container terminal.

Mersey Maritime is the representative body of Liverpool city region’s £5bn maritime sector, with hundreds of members across more than 30 sub-sectors.

During his time in Birkenhead-based organisation, Chris, along with Ruth and the team, has overseen the transformation of the local sector into one of the most successful industry cluster organisations in Europe.

Mersey Maritime chair John Hulmes said Ruth had achieved significant milestones and has helped strengthen Mersey Maritime’s position as a leading force within the maritime industry both locally and nationally.

He said: “While both the Mersey Maritime board and I are sad to see Chris leave, we are equally delighted he has been given this opportunity to further his career.

“The post of chief executive with Maritime UK is a challenging and exciting position and puts Chris at the very heart of the UK’s maritime industry. We wish him all the best in his new position which he will take up in the early summer.”

On Ruth’s appointment he added: “The board unanimously decided to appoint Ruth Wood as the new acting chief executive and she will take up this position on July 1.

“Ruth’s extensive experience, combined with her passion for the maritime sector, positions her as a key leader within the maritime community.

“Her long-standing dedication to the industry enables her to navigate the evolving challenges and drive innovation within Mersey Maritime.”

Ruth Wood said, “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead Mersey Maritime during this exciting and transformative time.

“I look forward to continuing our work to drive growth, jobs, innovation and collaboration across our North West maritime sector – creating a positive impact for our coastal communities.”