Ancora Group appoints new CEO

Ancora Group, a UK marine and coastal infrastructure specialist, has appointed Simon Light as group chief executive officer. He joins the business following its acquisition of TMS Maritime, Hesselberg Erosion Protection and Marine Plant Hire in March 2025 through an investment by Sullivan Street Partners.

Light brings experience from senior roles within engineering and construction businesses, including EC Harris, Arcadis, GHD and M Group. According to the company, his remit includes identifying growth opportunities across the group’s three subsidiaries while also maintaining delivery of technical services to clients.

Richard Sanders, chairman of Ancora Group, says: “Simon adds significant strategic capability and pragmatic leadership to a business that has many opportunities and is served by a team with great expertise. Together, the group is much more than the sum of its parts, and Simon will help us to maximise this fantastic potential.”

Ancora Group was formed to bring together marine civils, erosion protection and specialist marine plant capability under a single structure. The group focuses on complex multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects across the UK’s coastlines, inland waterways and ports.

The company states that demand for its services has increased as asset owners reassess how they manage the UK’s coastlines and critical infrastructure. The firm says it expects activity to grow over the coming decade in response to climate-related pressures and infrastructure resilience requirements.

Light says: “Ancora brings together highly complementary specialist businesses with deep marine and civil engineering expertise at a time when resilient infrastructure has never been more vital. As a Group, we have a clear opportunity and responsibility to set the standard in our sector.

“By combining technical depth with disciplined execution and strong leadership, we will deliver infrastructure solutions that safeguard communities and create lasting value. I am proud to be joining Ancora at this formative moment in its journey.”