New Chief Executive for Harwich Haven Authority

02 February 2026

Harwich Haven Authority are pleased to announce that Jo North has been appointed as the organisation’s new Chief Executive, effective of Monday 1 June 2026.

She replaces outgoing CEO Sarah West, who left the business in December 2025.

Jo joins HHA from her current role as Director of Innovation at the Port of Tyne and will be relocating from the North East to Harwich area ahead of taking up her new position.

Current Interim Chief Executive, Jake Storey, will continue in his role until Jo starts with us. At that point, Jake will resume his previous role as Chief Financial Officer.

Jo brings a wealth of experience across innovation and sustainability, customer negotiations, stakeholder engagement, and digital and technology strategy. Her expertise also includes areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and connectivity.

On her appointment she said:

“I am delighted to be joining Harwich Haven Authority and am very much looking forward to working with colleagues across the organisation to support innovation, sustainability and long-term resilience, while continuing to deliver safe and reliable services for our customers and partners.

The Authority has a clear purpose and an exciting future and as a trust port, delivers real and positive impact for its local communities. I am excited to build on its strong reputation and to support its future ambitions.

I enjoyed my time at the Port of Tyne and thank my colleagues for their support in delivering a number of exciting initiatives which made a real difference to the region. I am grateful for their support as I start the next step in my career.”

Chair of the Harwich Haven Authority Board, Debbie Francis, added:

“In Jo, we believe we have identified the candidate who is the best fit for the Authority’s priorities in the period ahead and who will complement the strengths of the existing Executive team. Jo brings senior leadership experience from complex, safety-critical environments, a strong track record in stakeholder engagement and partnership working, and deep expertise in innovation, sustainability and long-term strategy within the port and transport sectors. Her approach aligns closely with the priorities we set for the role and the direction of travel for the Authority.”

Earlier in her career, Jo held senior leadership roles at East Coast Trains, including Deputy Managing Director and Customer Services Director and at Northern Rail where she was Commercial Director.