Falmouth Harbour searches for new chair and board commissioners
Falmouth Harbour from St Anthony Point. Credit: Shark Bay for Falmouth Harbour
Falmouth Harbour is inviting applications for its next chair and two new board commissioners. The roles will be effective from 1 January 2026 and offer the opportunity to help shape the future of Cornwall’s strategic port.
The board oversees Falmouth Harbour, Falmouth Haven and Falmouth Pilot Services, balancing commercial, leisure and environmental priorities. These open appointments come at a crucial time for Falmouth Harbour as it enters a growth phase with a new Marine Development Masterplan and ambitious sustainability goals.
Earlier this year, Falmouth Harbour appointed two new non-executive directors to its board of commissioners, Kay Penney and Andy Wright.
The chair role will be openly advertised in line with Ports’ Good Governance Guidance, resulting in a fair and transparent process. Ideal candidates for the Chair role will demonstrate strong leadership and a track record of strategic growth and sustainability.
Current chair Mark Chanter has expressed full support for the recruitment process and intends to apply, with all conflict-of-interest safeguards in place.
Chair Mark Chanter comments: “I’m proud that we are taking this step to open the chair recruitment. It is right for our stakeholders, and it demonstrates our commitment to modern, transparent governance. I will be applying, and I welcome the open process that will ensure the strongest leadership for Falmouth Harbour.”
In particular, the board is also seeking an individual for the community commissioner role, reflecting Falmouth Harbour’s Trust Port status and commitment to integrating local perspectives in decision-making. Applications are welcomed from those with a strong connection to the community, alongside those with board-level or senior management backgrounds.
The second role within the board will be the maritime/shipping commissioner. Candidates for this should have recent experience in commercial shipping, port management, and pilotage with a focus on marine safety compliance. All roles are remunerated and will require approximately two days of work per month.
Falmouth Harbour also acknowledges the contributions of outgoing commissioners Gerald Pitts and John Elliot. Pitt brought extensive shipping industry knowledge and corporate governance expertise, while Elliot championed community interests and water-user engagement, chairing the Pilotage Standards Committee and Falmouth Pilotage Services panel.
Falmouth Harbour chief executive Miles Carden says: “This is a defining moment for Falmouth Harbour. With two new commissioners joining and an open search for the next chair, we are strengthening both governance and ambition. I also want to thank Gerald and John for their outstanding service — their legacy has helped us become a leading, award-winning Harbour.”
Anna Jay, managing director of Public Leaders Appointments, will be leading the search for the new chair and commissioners. Jay comments: “Having worked with Falmouth Harbour for several years, I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the search for these critical appointments. The previous three Commissioners appointed through rigorous search have strengthened and diversified the Board, bringing new skills, expertise, and perspectives. This is an exciting time for new Board Members to contribute to the ambitious development of Cornwall’s most diverse and strategically important Harbour.”
For further information on the roles, visit the Falmouth Harbour careers page. Applications for the roles close at midday on Wednesday, 22 October 2025.
