Peter Aylott, Photographer: Carl Court.
Peter Aylott named as UK Chamber of Shipping’s new Director of Policy
The UK Chamber of Shipping is delighted to announce Peter Aylott as its new Director of Policy, following David Balston’s departure after 10 years at the Chamber. Peter will take up his new role in late August.
Commenting on the appointment, Bob Sanguinetti, UK Chamber of Shipping CEO said:
“I am delighted we have found someone as talented as Peter to lead the Chamber policy team through these unprecedented times. Peter brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from across the shipping sector in commercial, environment, people, training standards and security. I look forward to working with him as we implement our five-year strategic plan, develop robust policies, influence the government and look to seize the opportunities of the future.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank David Balston for his outstanding service to the UK Chamber of Shipping after almost 10 years, following a successful full career in the Royal Navy. David will remain in the maritime world, aiming to do so on a part time basis which will allow him to devote more of his time to other interests and supporting his family, friends and local community in Somerset. Everyone associated with the Chamber wishes David all the very best for the future.”
Peter Aylott said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining the UK Chamber of Shipping as its new Director of Policy. The world is changing faster than ever before and there are unique challenges facing our sector. The coronavirus, tackling climate change, ensuring the safety of personnel who work on shore and at sea and innovation are all things that need addressing. I look forward to working with our members and everyone at the Chamber on these and other issues and ensuring the Chamber remains the voice of the UK shipping industry.”
After graduating from Oxford University, Peter enjoyed a 16 year career in the Royal Navy experiencing a variety of high tempo operational theatres culminating in warship command and leadership of the Navigation training school with a remit for STCW (RN) certification award.
Leaving the service in 2007, Peter joined the Nautical Institute as Director of Professional Development responsible for training and certification systems on a global scale.
Keen to experience the commercial side of the maritime industry, he joined CMAR Group to lead their fledgling Dynamic Positioning training division and was promoted in 2011 to lead the Group’s entire operational output from complex high value marine offshore asset management, to recruitment and crewing services and engineering consultancy. As Group Director he was responsible for activities in North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia and transformed the company from a core output of manpower services to an industry recognised brand of deep field expertise.
More recently Peter has provided consultancy services to start up maritime training providers and enjoyed a role as CEO of the largest English fishing operator. A strong advocate of the UK maritime industry’s capability and, especially, its people, he has championed cadet mentoring through the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and is an external examiner at Plymouth University for programmes supporting seafarers transitioning to shore-based careers.
