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New chairman and two board members appointed at Port of Cromarty Firth, Invergordon


By Philip Murray

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Roger Eddie.
Roger Eddie.

A NEW chairman and two new board members have been appointed at the Port of Cromarty Firth.

Roger Eddie, the current vice-chairman, will take the helm as chair, with Hugh Mitchell as vice-chairman.

A non-executive director of Springfield Properties, Mr Eddie was a specialist business banker with 35 years’ experience in the sector, mainly spent in the Highlands and Islands. He also worked as a Senior Development Manager with Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE).

He said: “It is a privilege and honour to become chairman of Port of Cromarty Firth’s board. I take the helm determined to continue the huge success the Trust Port has enjoyed under the chairmanship of Richard Ballantyne.

“The Port of Cromarty Firth is driven to ethically develop, improve and safeguard the Cromarty Firth for the benefit of all stakeholders and its coastal communities in the Highlands.

"It has also over the past six years generated more profit and value to the regional economy per head than many other UK ports, 100 per cent of which is reinvested into its future development. The future prospects for the port are very exciting.”

Zeina Melville and Graham Peach.
Zeina Melville and Graham Peach.

Meanwhile, Zeina Melville and Graham Peach have joined the other six members of the board.

Zeina Melville is currently an executive commercial director at precision engineering company Pryme Group and was formerly managing director at Melville Business Consulting.

A specialist in strategy and commercial development, she has held senior roles with global technology and engineering organisations such as Schlumberger and Sparrows Group. While at Melville Business Consulting, she worked with the Port of Cromarty Firth to deliver an expansion of on-site facilities and business growth.

She said: “I am delighted to join the board of the Port of Cromarty Firth. The port plays a critical role in sustaining the economic life in the region and I look forward to continue supporting its management team in delivering its ambitious vision for the future.”

Graham Peach also joins the board following a 30-year career in the Royal Navy, where he rose to the position of Director of Surface Combatants (Commodore Rank), managing more than 60 major vessels and 165 staff.

He latterly owned and managed an international maritime support and disaster management consultancy firm. He also provides support to NHS Highlands Corporate Governance teams on their future health care aspirations and has experience in the third sector.

He said: “I am very excited to bring my experience with the Royal Navy to the board. Coupled with my knowledge and expertise in business development, I hope I can help fulfil the Port of Cromarty Firth’s continued ambition to be one of the UK’s leading trust ports.”

Bob Buskie, chief executive of Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We are delighted that Roger has agreed to be our new chair. As vice-chair he played an integral part of our board and has supported the Port for many years. His knowledge and experience will stand us in good stead as we look to build on the Port’s recent successes, including our record-breaking cruise figures and year-on-year growth.

“Zeina and Graham are excellent additions to our board. Their vast experience, expertise and specialist knowledge add significant strength to a board that already works well together. With Roger at the helm I’m sure the Port of Cromarty Firth’s future will be an exciting and prosperous one.”


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