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MEET THE THAMES FREEPORT TEAM

Learn about the individuals who are responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of Thames Freeport. Our team comprises a group of experienced professionals with a wide range of skills and expertise. They are committed to our mission and to ensuring that Thames Freeport is a place where companies can grow and succeed.

Currency Vacancies:

Stuart Rimmer - Interim Director of Skills and Employment

STUART RIMMER

INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE

As Interim Chief Executive I provide strategic oversight to the Thames Freeport, including all its business services and performance. I provide the key lead on Skills and Employment including strategy and work with partners to develop and take to market a compelling skills and employment proposition which supports delivery of the Freeport’s overall business development and inward investment goals.

Tom White - Innovation and Net Zero Director

TOM WHITE

INNOVATION & NET ZERO DIRECTOR

Tom leads Innovation and Net Zero for the Thames Freeport, building partnerships and initiatives that create new value for our stakeholders and communities through harnessing the power of technology, collaboration and new ways of working. Tom is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology and holds a BSc in Environmental Science.

John Stasi - Head of Marketing and Propositions

JOHN STASI

HEAD OF MARKETING & Community Engagement

As Head of Marketing and community for Thames Freeport, I lead strategic initiatives to position us as a premier investment and trade hub and building engagement with local communities. Crafting compelling propositions, I foster partnerships, drive brand visibility, and showcase the Freeport’s unique advantages, driving economic growth and sustainability in the region.

Liz Beadle - Head of Programmes

LIZ BEADLE

HEAD OF PROGRAMMES

As the Head of Programmes at Thames Freeport, I lead programme planning and provide oversight for strategic initiatives. My responsibilities include managing programme delivery, ensuring risk management, conducting periodic assurance reviews, overseeing financial reporting, and leading the monitoring and evaluation of Thames Freeport’s initiatives. Additionally, I play a crucial role in security compliance coordination and reporting to the board. My focus is on realising Thames Freeport’s vision as a thriving hub for trade, investment, and innovation.

Liam Quigg - Project Manager

LIAM QUIGG

PROJECT MANAGER

Liam Quigg is a project manager at Thames Freeport, with a dynamic approach, navigates multifaceted challenges, applying innovative solutions to foster sustainable growth. His passion lies in driving impactful outcomes, contributing to the success of Thames Freeport through effective stakeholder management, measuring our success and ensuring a balance between economic development and environmental and social responsibility.

Ian Blake - Head of Innovation

ian blake

HEAD OF INNOVATION

Ian has over 20 years’ experience in the maritime sector, working in senior technology and innovation roles to successfully deliver technical and multi-partner collaborative programmes while working with industry and academia.  He joins Thames Freeport to help to drive the 5G and Smart Cities programmes to create regional opportunities via implementation of technology.  By building long term dynamic and agile partnerships across all aspects of project delivery the programmes will help to deliver the freeport vision.  Ian is a chartered manager and holds an MBA in Strategic Leadership.

Picture of Elena Molinari

Elena Molinari

Head of Trade and Investment

Elena has over ten years of experience in international trade and inward investment, working with economic development organizations to support growth and innovation agendas across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. She has facilitated market entry for international companies into the UK, collaborating closely with organizations to navigate regulatory and market landscapes. Elena has lived in Italy, UAE, Germany, Belgium, and the UK and is fluent in Italian, German, and English.

Daniella Howell

Daniella Howell

Executive Officer

Daniella Howell serves as an Executive Officer at Thames Freeport, where she is committed to ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations. She plays a crucial role in supporting the CEO and assisting with operational activities to achieve the company’s strategic objectives. Daniella’s focus is on driving efficiency and contributing to the overall success and growth of Thames Freeport.

Giovanna Baffa

Performance and Risk Manager

As the Performance and Risk Manager for the Thames Freeport Seed capital projects my focus is on governance, risk management, and performance reporting. Working closely with project managers and key stakeholders to mitigate risks, and support strategic decision-making. My aim is to ensure that all initiatives within the Freeport’s portfolio are effectively managed to deliver on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

Simon Schepers

Head of Investment

Simon works closely with the Director of Trade and Investment to develop and implement the areas investment strategy, while facilitating international investment into the Freeport’s strategic zones. Simon’s career began in public sector and economic development consulting, with a strong focus on investment attraction, economic infrastructure, special economic zones, and cluster development for supranational institutions, international donors, and governments. He has gained extensive experience across both the public and private sectors in the DACH region, the UK, the US, and the Middle East. Simon holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is fluent in both German and English.

Alison Young

Director of Trade & Investment

Alison has background in International Trade & FDI, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining Thames Freeport, Alison was at techUK as Assistant Director Local Public Services, she also has her own consulting business and at Connected Places Catapult, was Head of Global Investment. This role focused on FDI working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment into innovation. She has lived and worked in Europe and the Middle East, where she worked for the Department for Business and Trade. She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities and the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.

Tommy Blackman

Marketing, Events and Community Cordinator

As a Marketing & Community Coordinator, I bring together creativity, communication, and community focus to deliver impactful engagement. My role involves developing and executing marketing strategies, managing digital and social media channels, and creating meaningful connections with local communities in the Thames Freeport region.

Melinda Gyarmati

Head of Finance

As Head of Finance, I focus on driving financial excellence across Thames Freeport. I oversee all financial operations, ensuring transparency, value for money, and alignment with the organisation’s strategic objectives. With a strong background working with SMEs, I am passionate about building robust financial processes that support long-term success. I ensure rigorous financial management, reporting, and compliance, enabling innovation and sustainable development through strong financial governance and effective stewardship.