Vanessa Blake Appointed as Chief Executive of UK Hydrographic Office

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has announced the permanent appointment of Vanessa Blake as its Chief Executive. Vanessa, who has been serving as Interim Chief Executive since May 2024, will now lead the center for hydrography on a permanent basis. Her mission is to provide quality, innovative navigation solutions to support safe, secure, and thriving oceans.

Transformational Leadership

During her time as Interim Chief Executive, Vanessa has led the UKHO through a pivotal period of transformation. Under her guidance, the organization has played a key role in guiding the maritime industry through evolving challenges and opportunities. This includes shaping the global conversation around the emerging S-100 data framework and the future of hydrography and maritime navigation.

Vanessa’s focus on customer needs and ensuring the relevance of solutions has led to more efficient and accurate operational maritime planning. Simultaneously, the UKHO has been transforming its internal operations to become more efficient and adaptable, delivering greater value while strengthening its contribution to the UK’s defense.

Enhanced Capabilities

Vanessa’s commercial background and focus on customer experience have brought a fresh perspective to the leadership of the UKHO. This has resulted in enhanced digital capabilities and improved accessibility of navigational solutions. The organization is investing in the skills and capability of its people to meet the evolving sector’s needs, playing a proactive role in the hydrographic community, and fulfilling its public task for Safety of Life at Sea on behalf of the UK government.

Future Outlook

Under Vanessa’s leadership, the UKHO is well-positioned to deliver its public task, contribute to the UK government’s growth mission, and serve national security priorities and commercial customers. Working closely with national and international partners, the organization will continue to develop its ADMIRALTY products and services to ensure the ongoing integrity of its maritime navigation solutions.

Vanessa Blake expressed her commitment to the UKHO’s vision, stating, “My focus is to work alongside my colleagues in ensuring the UKHO delivers its vision to be the beacon for quality, innovative maritime navigation solutions, trusted by customers and partners worldwide. We will continue to support safe, secure, and thriving oceans, while playing our critical role in delivering the defence plan to make our country secure at home and strong abroad.”

Prior to joining the UK Hydrographic Office, Vanessa served as a senior executive in a data-driven technology organization. With over 25 years of experience in leading strategic change, she brings expertise in growth strategy, digital transformation, and customer-focused innovation.