At the Helm of the UKHO

This May, the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) appointed Vanessa Blake as its chief executive, a role she had filled on an interim basis since May 2024. Blake first joined the UKHO in 2023 as chief customer officer, drawn by how the role leveraged all her experience and skills while still presenting a new challenge.

Employing a marketing tack

"I love the variety, the passion of the people here to share our expertise and help mariners across the globe to navigate safely," said Blake. "It’s an amazing organization, delivering a strong purpose for safe, secure and thriving oceans – and one that I am proud to work for."

"Prior to taking up the role of chief executive, my role as chief customer officer enabled me to gain a critical understanding of how our partners and customers trust and rely on us to be a leading source of guidance and assurance, helping them to stay one step ahead in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape."

Her career started in sales and marketing, becoming managing director for a fundraising marketing agency. "I have specialized in customer experience and transformation for the last 25 years and I have extensive experience of the commercialization of new products,"