Dr Jo North

CEO and Executive Board Member

Jo North joined HHA in June 2026 from the Port of Tyne, where she lead the organisation as their Technology and Transformation Director. Jo has leading-edge expertise in working with companies to optimise the creative potential of their people, products, services, and brands and build an innovative, entrepreneurial capability into organisational culture. She brings a truly unique perspective to teams and innovation as she combines her academic excellence, research, and facilitation skills with real-world, commercial business experience in the transport sector and beyond.

Jake Storey

CFO

Jake joined Harwich Haven Authority in August 2017. He has over 25 years’ experience in the shipping industry and prior to joining the Authority he was a strategic advisor to the anti-bribery business TRACE International.

Starting his career in the maritime industry working for Hill Samuel Merchant Bank, he worked for, and advised Wallems, Escombe Lambert, Gellaty, Lambert Brothers, Lavino Shipping and the Wescol group.

Jake has also held senior positions with Gearbulk Group as their chief risk officer and with  Inchcape Shipping Services UK as chief financial officer.

He holds a MBA from Manchester Business School and is a chartered accountant and a qualified corporate treasurer. He also has a BA Hons in History and Politics from Keele University.

Will Barker

Marine Director (Harbour Master)

Will joined Harwich Haven Authority in April 2023. He has 20 years’ experience working within the maritime industry and is passionate about marine operations.

Will previously worked at Peel Ports Group where he managed the Mersey Marine Team to ensure the safe operation of three statutory harbour authorities and efficiently delivering services including pilotage, dredging, hydrography, lock operations and towage.

When working on the Hinkley Point C project he was responsible for establishing a new harbour authority, facilitating construction and operation of the £150m jetty. He has also held roles at Shoreham Port, Littlehampton and Chichester Harbour on the south coast.

Will is an active member of the UK Harbour Master Association and a Trinity House Younger Brother.

Helen Rudd

Strategy & Partnerships Director

Helen Rudd leads HHA’s sustainability strategy and external engagement agenda. She is responsible for driving sustainability, strategic partnerships, communications, stakeholder engagement, and government relations, ensuring the organisation builds strong relationships and a positive reputation across local, regional, and national stakeholders.

Helen spent five years in the Corporate Affairs team at Hutchison Ports UK, delivering communications, stakeholder engagement and corporate social responsibility for the Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International Port before setting up her own PR agency, Prominent PR, which she ran for 10 years.

Helen leads the development and delivery of sustainability initiatives that create long-term environmental and social value while supporting organisational growth and resilience. She oversees corporate communications and engagement activities, shaping compelling narratives that strengthen stakeholder confidence and support strategic objectives.

A key part of her role is leading engagement with government, public sector partners, businesses, and community stakeholders to influence policy, secure partnerships, and maximise opportunities for investment and growth.

Nick Lambert

Head of Business Systems

Joining Harwich Haven Authority in 2016, Nick brought 20 years’ IT experience across telecommunications, retail and logistics industries to lead the wholesale review of the company’s IT systems. With a background in software development, business analysis and project management Nick continues to drive the programme of systems change and lead the organisation through a changing technical landscape.

A principal focus for Nick and the Business Systems team is to leverage the unique placement of Harwich Haven Authority to support and adopt technical and marine industry innovation for the benefit of the business and its stakeholders.

Nick has an interest in sailing and all things marine and is a keen user of the local waters of The Haven.

Vanessa Mann

Head of People & Culture

Joining Harwich Haven Authority in 2022, Vanessa brought extensive People and Culture experience gained across the retail and public sectors. Since joining the Authority, she has held a number of roles within the People & Culture team before being appointed Head of People & Culture in 2026.

With a broad background across all areas of People and Culture, Vanessa leads the Authority’s people strategy, with a particular focus on attracting and developing talent, colleague engagement and creating opportunities for people to build their careers at HHA. A key focus for Vanessa and the People & Culture team is ensuring the Authority has the skills and capability it needs for the future, while continuing to make HHA a great place to work. This includes developing early careers opportunities, supporting learning and development, and working with colleagues and leaders across the organisation to create a positive and inclusive culture.