The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has announced the appointment of Vanessa Blake to the position of interim Chief Executive and Accounting Officer.

Blake joined the UKHO in July 2023 Chief Customer Officer and will take up the role of Chief Executive on an interim basis, while a permanent replacement is sought. She will succeed Peter Sparkes, who has left after nearly four years in the role to become the Chief Executive of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

“I am delighted to be taking on the role as Interim Chief Executive at such an important time in the history of the UK Hydrographic Office,” said Blake.

“Significant progress has been made at the UKHO in our digital transformation and adapting to the evolving needs of our customers, while upholding our vital mission of serving defence and supporting safety of life at sea.

“I look forward to building on these achievements and working with our talented and dedicated people, as well as our distributors and partners around the globe.”