The Hydrographic Society UK & Ireland (THS:UKI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Poole as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mark will formally assume the role following a transition period throughout June, during which he will work alongside the current CEO to ensure a smooth handover. The current CEO, Becky Conway, will step down at the end of June after four years in the position.

As part of this leadership transition, Mark will also step down from his role as Chair of THS:UKI. The Board has appointed Marc Richards as the Society’s new Chair, ensuring continued strong governance and strategic leadership for the organisation.

Becky Reflects on the last Four Years

“Over the past four years, THS:UKI has navigated a period of significant change and growth. The Society has adapted to the operational challenges presented by the pandemic and the evolving needs of its members, while continuing to deliver value across the hydrographic community.

Serving as CEO of THS:UKI over the last four years has been a tremendous honour. Together, we have navigated significant operational challenges while continuing to grow and evolve as a Society. I am particularly proud of the progress we have made through initiatives such as Remote Hydrography and the success of Hydro 2025, both of which demonstrate the innovation and resilience of our community.

I would like to thank the Board for their continued support throughout my tenure. Their guidance, commitment and belief in the Society’s mission have been invaluable. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Lucy Anderson, our Operations and Engagement Manager, whose dedication, professionalism and unwavering support have played a crucial role in everything we have achieved.

As I prepare to step down at the end of June, I do so with great confidence in the future of THS:UKI. I look forward to seeing the Society continue to grow and thrive under Mark’s leadership.”

THS:UKI Looks Ahead and Welcomes Mark

Mark Poole brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Society, having served as Chair and played a key role in shaping its strategic direction. Mark holds a degree in Land Surveying and Mapping Sciences from North East London Polytechnic and is a Professional Associate of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.  His broad professional experience has been gained from operational and managerial roles with survey companies, central government, Engineering Procurement Construction and Installation contractors, an equipment manufacturer and International Oil Companies.  Prior to retirement from full-time work in February of this year, he held the role of Technical Survey Manager for bp in London.  He is a long-standing member of the Society, has served 9 years as a director and trustee and as Chair since 2024.

Commenting on his appointment, Mark said:

I am delighted to be appointed as CEO and to be granted the opportunity to help guide the strategic growth of the society and address the challenges faced by membership organisations like ours. In uncertain and changing times, I believe that the aims of the Society have never been more relevant and important in serving to unite the seabed mapping community.

THS:UKI Appoints New Chair

Marc Richards succeeds Mark Poole as Chair of THS:UKI and will lead the Board in supporting the Society’s future development. Mark graduated from the University of Plymouth in 2004 with a BSc (Hons) in Hydrography after which, he spent 15 years working offshore across the oil and gas and renewables sectors. Following a move onshore, Mark worked as a project surveyor at DeepOcean, then a project manager at PanGeo Subsea, before leading the survey department at Rovco. Most recently he has started his own consultancy business in 2023 specialising in survey package management, where he works with offshore wind farm developers on survey activities and site characterisation, to understand the ground conditions/risk, preparing the site for construction and making sure everything gets built in the correct place.

Marc commented:

“I have been an on and off member of the Society for years but have only recently become involved with the Board. It has been an enjoyable experience so far and I look forward to making a new contribution as Chair and working closely with Mark, Lucy and the Board to further the Societies’ goals and objectives.”

As THS:UKI enters this new chapter, the Society remains committed to supporting its members, advancing hydrographic knowledge and fostering collaboration across the wider maritime, offshore and geospatial communities.

The Board would like to thank Becky for her four years of dedicated service and leadership and wishes her every success in the future. The Society looks forward to continuing its growth and development under the leadership of CEO Mark Poole and Chair Marc Richards.

Becky Conway, Mark Poole, Marc Richards

Return to news