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30 under 30: Ones to Watch – Showcasing the next generation of maritime talent (9)
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on the next generation of rising talent in the maritime industry. From mentees turned trailblazers, to client-recommended innovators, and fresh voices from across our network — these are the ones to watch.
Georgia Richardson
Emergency Response Technology Specialist/ Naval Architect, Lloyd’s Register (SERS – Ship Emergency Response Service)
What attracted you to the maritime industry?
Having grown up on the North East coast, I was constantly surrounded by links to the marine industry, from seeing the ships and offshore structures heading in and out of the Ports of Tyne and Blyth, having friends working a wide range of jobs in the ports and harbours, and spending as much of my free time in the North Sea doing various water sports.
I would say the main influence that then pushed me towards naval architecture was my interest in the RNLI. Their vessels always interested me and researching how they worked and how they are designed led me to the Naval Architecture / Small Craft Design degree at Newcastle University. Since starting my degree, my interest in the maritime world has kept growing and diversifying and I am excited for a career in this industry!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to have made a useful contribution to the marine sector, more specifically the emergency response and safety side of the industry. I have found working on the safety side of things both during my placement at the RNLI and now in my current role in SERS at LR extremely interesting and rewarding and it is a marine sector I would like to continue in. It is a sector which is always constantly looking for ways to evolve and improve global safety so I cannot see myself getting bored!
Poppy Haward
Underwriting Actuarial Analyst, UK P&I Club
What attracted you to the maritime industry?
I was particularly attracted to marine insurance because of the diverse and dynamic nature of this field. My background in geography has led my fascination with how systems connect, whether it’s trade routes, weather events, or global logistics. The maritime sector offers endless opportunities to explore spatial data and uncover patterns that link environmental, economic, and geopolitical factors in meaningful ways.
By uncovering these patterns it is possible to create a purposeful impact. Data analysis has the possibility to identify persistent crew risks, understand the factors leading to major oil spills, causes of container fires, and much more. From this identification of issues and their causes, change can then occur such as through improved safety and risk management for crew, or pollution prevention to reduce environmental damage. As part of the pricing actuarial team I wanted to be part of that transformation – where new data analysis can have a real impact on people’s lives and the environment.
I’m also inspired by how the industry brings together specialists from many fields for example engineers, legal experts, and other professionals. It’s a unique opportunity to be able to collaborate across multiple disciplines. I was attracted to the constant opportunity to learn from people at the top of their respective fields, and develop my own knowledge.
My manager has been an inspirational part of my career path by looking outside the traditional mathematical backgrounds that are normally required by actuarial roles. I came into the industry with a strong interest for data analytics but with a Geography degree. The nature of pricing actuarial work in marine insurance requires an understanding beyond mathematics and by being so accepting and open to other academic backgrounds, he has given me an environment that I can thrive in. His inclusivity of diverse perspectives has been inspirational, and I think built a more successful and well-rounded team, that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to be a part of.
Since starting the role, what has also stood out the most is how my manager communicates. He takes the time to engage with people across all areas of the business, valuing their insights and building strong relationships. He has shown how important it is to ask questions from a range of people and build your network. This is shown in his deep and nuanced understanding of the shipping industry.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I would like to be a recognised expert in maritime risk – someone people turn to for insight. I would value the opportunity to publish work on key risk areas in shipping, contributing to thought leadership and helping shape how the sector understands and manages uncertainty.
I also aim to be a driving force within my organisation, bringing people together from different teams and disciplines to collaborate more effectively. I believe that the best solutions come from diverse perspectives, and I want to help foster that kind of environment.
Technology will play a big role in my career. I am excited by the potential of new tools that incorporate AI as well as emerging spatial data sources such as port call analytics to transform how we approach data and decision-making. I would like to be someone who actively leads in integrating these innovations into our work to improve knowledge and risk management.
For anyone entering the maritime industry from a non-maritime background, I would highly recommend visiting some working ships in port. It is so informative to speak with crew members and find out about life at sea and the day-to-day operations that keep vessels running. It also helps with industry-specific terminology and technical aspects of vessels that can otherwise feel confusing.
Beyond that, visiting a vessel gives a much clearer sense of how the role fits into the broader business. It’s a powerful way to build context, deepen understanding, and appreciate the scale and complexity of the industry they will be contributing to.
Ella Winstanley
Marketing Assistant, UK Defence Club
What attracted you to the maritime industry?
I researched many sectors while applying for my first marketing role and none surprised me more than the maritime sector. Unlike most of the other industries I looked at, I knew very little about shipping other than it was the way most goods were transported around the world. Yet, my interest was piqued when I saw Thomas Miller group advertising for a marketing assistant on LinkedIn. I applied and a follow-on conversation with their recruiter fully opened my eyes to the breadth of the opportunity. The interview research I did took me even further down the maritime path and the more I learnt, the more interested I got. It was like peeling the layers off an onion and I saw the chance for a long-term, stable and rewarding career. I think my excitement showed when I began doing interviews and I think it was that genuine enthusiasm that helped me land the position. A year on from starting at Thomas Miller’s UK Defence Club, I am officially a shipping nerd. Now when I see a ship on the horizon, I’m trying to work out what it might be carrying, what might be powering it, and if it could be one of our Members.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Honestly, a year into my career I am struggling to believe how much I have done and learnt so far so looking forward a decade is difficult. That said, in ten years’ time, I would hope to have significantly rounded my skills and be leading a small multi-disciplinary marketing team, with kindness, collaboration and putting everything I have experienced to best use. Ultimately, I am aiming to become a chief communications or chief marketing officer so everything I do is focused on that goal. Ideally, I would love to do that in the maritime industry.