Future Humber has announced the appointment of Andrew Dawes, Regional Director for Humber at Associated British Ports (ABP), as its new Chair. This marks both a pivotal moment for the organisation and the region.
The appointment comes at a critical time as Hull and East Yorkshire and Greater Lincolnshire establish their Mayoral Combined Authorities and key pan-Humber entities emerge to drive the future for our regional collaborations. Andrew succeeds Bill Walker, who has served as Future Humber Chair for the last five years. He will begin his tenure in December 2025, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership into the new year.
With the critical role that place identity and reputation of the region will now play, Future Humber is reaffirming its position as Humber’s place promotion partner, working alongside the Humber Energy Board and the Humber Freeport to amplify the region’s voice, vision, and opportunities across local, national, and international stages.
Andrew joined ABP as Regional Director (Humber) and member of the Executive Board in October 2024. He began work in 1995 at what was the Southampton Container Terminal (now DP World) and has progressed his career to become a seasoned maritime executive, amassing almost 30 years of experience from the global ports and terminals industry with companies such as DP World, APM Terminals and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).
Andrew said: “I’m honoured to take on this role at such a transformative time for our region. The Humber is a remarkable place – rich in industrial heritage, bursting with innovation, and home to communities that care deeply about its future. As both the UK’s ‘Energy Estuary’ and the number one gateway for trade, we have the assets and ambition to lead nationally and globally. But to realise that potential, we must collaborate, amplify our voice, and shape a bold, unified identity. I look forward to working with partners across the Humber to champion our strengths, unlock investment, and help shape a thriving future for the region.”
Future Humber exists to capture, shape, and amplify Humber’s identity – strengthening perceptions, driving inward investment, and fostering civic pride. Through its influential Bondholder network and powerful Humber Place Brand, Future Humber brings together business and civic leaders to unlock growth, attract talent, and accelerate transformation across all sectors.
Since 2014, over £95.6bn of investment has powered progress across Humber’s key sectors – from clean energy and advanced manufacturing through to seafood, digital, and logistics. However, as other regions push ahead, Future Humber argues that Humber must think and act differently to secure its place on the national and global stage.
As Chair, Andrew will work closely with Vice Chairs Anja Hazebroek (Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Media Relations, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board) and Simon Dwyer (CEO, Seafox Management Consultants Ltd), Post-Chair Bill Walker and Managing Director Diana Taylor, supported by Future Humber’s Strategy and Advisory Boards. Together, they form a strong leadership team representing businesses of all sizes and sectors – from global companies and family-owned firms to SMEs and microbusinesses. Working collaboratively, they will champion Humber’s unique identity and competitive edge, helping to shape the region’s narrative.
Diana Taylor, Managing Director of Future Humber, said: “This is a defining moment for our region. With two new Combined Authorities, devolution, and increasing competition between UK regions, Humber cannot afford to be overlooked. Place promotion is not a luxury – it is a strategic enabler of growth and transformation. Andy’s leadership, reputation, and ability to influence will ensure Humber has the strong business voice it needs to drive forward this agenda in alignment with our public sector partners.”
Future Humber’s mission is to work in partnership with business, local authorities, and regional leaders to build confidence, pride, and investment in Humber, transforming how the region is seen – both by its own communities and by the world.