Board members

Brian has recently retired from BAE Systems Maritime, where he was Business Development Director. He brings a wealth of private sector experience to his role, with over 30 years’ in the Marine and Maritime sector at organisations such as Thales, Marconi and the aforementioned BAE Systems. Brian is on the Board of the Society of Maritime Industries and Maritime UK and previously chair of the Solent LEP.

Brian Johnson Register of Interest 2026-27

Nick is the County Councillor for Romsey Rural since 2021, and a member of the county council’s cabinet since 2022. During that time, he’s been responsible for Hampshire’s Universal Services – including the county’s network of highways, which spans over 5,000 miles. A chartered surveyor by profession, Nick’s career has also spanned the property and hospitality sectors.

Nick Adams-King Register of Interest 2026-27

Cllr Sarah Bogle is a City Councillor in Southampton and Leader (since May 2026), with a portfolio covering all areas of Growth, Prosperity and Culture. She has represented the city (inner city Bargate ward) since 2006 and has undertaken many roles including Cabinet, chairing Health Scrutiny, trustee of a local charity and serving on a local NHS trust. She spent the first 15 years of her working life in industry, mainly in manufacturing logistics.  She has done a number of change and project management roles initially in industry then in local government and Higher Education.  Her most recent role has supported Social Sciences academics at the University of Southampton to realise the real-world impact of their research. She is a keen supporter of culture and the arts and sings in a local choir

Sarah Bogle Register of Interest 2026-27

As a Senior Partner at the Accountancy Firm KPMG for 23 years, John worked in Asia Pacific, Europe and the UK. During his career he interacted at Board level with some of the largest business and Governmental organisations, covering a range of specialist areas including Taxation, Audit and Governance. He served terms as a Board member for KPMG UK, the OECD and the Royal Yachting Association.

John Burns Register of Interest 2026-27

With a professional career within professional services, Geraint has been a partner at EY for over 20 years.  Latterly, he has acted as a consultant, leading key multi-national client accounts.  A chartered accountant by qualification, he has strong board level experience built from a career working with global, national and local organisations in both the public and private sectors.

Geraint Davies Register of Interest 2026-27

Steve has been a councillor since 2007 . Although now “retired”, he is the portfolio holder for Housing and Homelessness and a town councillor at New Milton. Since 2001, Steve worked in the telecoms industry and for over 8 years at Three as a programme manager. As deputy leader he is keen to keep the New Forest as a special, unique place and to provide opportunities for the Waterside and the wider community.

Steve Davies Register of Interest 2026-27

James is an Eastleigh Borough Cabinet member with the combined portfolio of Transport and Commerce. He is a Director of the Eastleigh BID and of several small local companies, as well as a Director or Trustee of the Saga Pension scheme and was either the Managing Director or Commercial Director of Saga’s cruising business for 15 years. Prior to that he was a Director of Cunard, primarily responsible for HR.

James Duiguid Register of Interest 2026-27

James Hassett joined the Solent Freeport as its first Chief Executive in June 2023. James has over 25 years’ experience leading organisations across a range of industries include in the Engineering Sector, Environmental Sector and Public Sector. His background and skills are in sustainable development, regeneration and economic development.

James Hassett Register of Interest 2026-27

William McKee has several current appointments as Director and Trustee of the Museum of London Archaeology Ltd (MOLA) and Chief Executive of Accessible Retail and was previously Chair of Southampton University Business School Board. William was appointed CBE for services to the property industry and, awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters for his work in bringing together the higher education and business communities.

William McKee Register of Interest 2026-27

Richard Parkinson is the Port Director of Marchwood Port. Prior to joining Solent Gateway Limited Richard spent his career in the Army, serving in a number of logistics roles including as Director of Logistics for the Army and Head Defence Support Chain Operations. Richard was responsible for the largest transformation programme of the Defence Supply Chain for several decades. In 2019 he joined SGL to oversee port operations and lead its re-development.

Richard Parkinson Register of Interest 2026-27

Born and bred in Portsmouth, Cllr Steve Pitt was first elected as a councillor in 2014 and is now the Leader of Portsmouth City Council and also has cabinet responsibilities for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development. Steve has been involved in organising cultural events across the city for 20 years, he is on the regional council for Arts Council South-West and is a trustee of Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust.

Steve Pitt Register of Interest 2026-27

John is a banker and University trustee. His recent career has been in responsibility for strategic finance and complex governance. He is currently treasurer and trustee of the Institute for Cancer Research, also of Cardiff University; chair of the Museum of the Home and the Council for British Research on the Levant. Also a member of the investment committee, Trinity College, Cambridge, chair of a private property investment fund, a Swiss fiduciary manager and served in HM Diplomatic Service.

John Shakeshaft Register of Interest 2026-27

Steve Thurston is the Head of Planning & Development at AGS Airports Ltd which owns Southampton International Airport. He has over 25 years’ experience in the aviation business working for both airports and airlines in planning and project management roles. Most recently, Steve led on the development of the Master Plan for Southampton Airport and subsequent runway extension as well as leading the development of Navigator Quarter tax site within the Solent Freeport.

Steve Thurston Register of Interest 2026-27

Mike Watts became a Board Member of Solent Freeport Ltd in December 2023. He currently serves as President and Chair of the Board at The Trojans Club Ltd. Mike has held a range of executive and non-executive positions across both the public and private sectors, including serving as Chair of Solent NHS Trust, and roles within finance, central government and local government. He has extensive experience in organisational change and development and has a lifelong association with the Solent area.

Mike Watts Register of Interest 2026-27

Alastair joined ABP as Regional Director for the Southampton Region in 2016. Prior to this Alastair spent much of his career in the aviation industry, where his degree in mechanical engineering, and his accountancy experience, enabled him to support airlines and airports worldwide in strategy formulation, business and performance development. This experience has helped develop Southampton’s profile as the UK’s number one export port and Europe’s number one cruise turnaround port.

Alastair Welch Register of Interest 2026-27