Posted on February 2, 2026
The Port of Tyne has announced that Dr Jo North, Innovation Ecosystem Director, will be leaving the organisation to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer at Harwich Haven Authority.
Jo joined the Port’s leadership team in 2019. She was integral in the development of the industry-leading Tyne 2050 strategy and progressed a wide-ranging programme of sustainability initiatives, including the recent e-fuels hub announcement in Japan and the Tyne Green Shipping Corridor. Jo has also driven a number of innovation and digitalisation projects, such as port-wide 5G connectivity, and strengthened leadership and graduate development through programmes including Changemakers.
Jo has been a champion for industry-wide innovation across the maritime and regional economy and helped launch Venture Connect, the UK’s first National Maritime Innovation Hub and Maritime Innovation Week. She also helped reinforce the Port of Tyne’s standing on the world stage through the Port Innovators Network.
Matt Beeton Executive Officer of the Port of Tyne, said: “Jo has made an exceptional contribution to both the region and the maritime industry. It is fitting that her next step is to lead one of the UK’s major trust ports and I wish her every success for the future”
