Chair, Thames Freeport

Odgers partnered with Thames Freeport to find a world-class Chair, with Rt Hon. Ruth Kelly assuming her post in November 2021. 

The Thames Freeport is a major UK government-backed economic zone located in the Thames Estuary, officially designated as a Freeport tax site in December 2021. 

What attracted you to the role at Thames Freeport? 

There are a few key reasons. First, the strength of the local partnership around the Thames Freeport area really stood out. It brought together the ports, Ford Dagenham, and the three local authority leaders and chief executives. They had already come together to put forward the bid for the Freeport and were absolutely determined to transform the prospects for people living in the region. That level of commitment from local partners was a major factor. 

Another reason is the sheer scale of the opportunity. This part of East London and Essex sits right on the Thames, with incredibly close proximity to London. 

And finally, there was the chance to put policy into practice. I started out as an economist and have worked in roles with a strong economic focus throughout my career in government and beyond. So being able to get involved in an area where there’s a real need to turn around economic fortunes, and to help see that through over the long term, was hugely appealing to me. 

What are your future ambitions and goals within your role? 

I joined just as the outline business case was being submitted to the UK Government. It hasn’t been that long since the full business case was approved, so we’re now in a position where we’re ready to go. 

The ambitions for the area, and for the Freeport, are really about turning it into a hub for trade and investment. Not just serving London, but contributing to the national economy. The goal is to bring high-quality jobs back to a region that’s been deindustrialised, and to spark a resurgence in manufacturing, technology, and other high-tech sectors. 

How was your journey with Odgers? 

Odgers approached me about the role, and it immediately caught my interest. They took the time to talk it through with me properly and introduced me to the local partners in the area, which gave me a great opportunity to ask questions and really understand the ambitions of the local leaders. It was a very smooth process. 

Success in Leadership 

Read our interview with Ruth where she outlines the significance of leaders’ long-term focus, having the right board and executive level talent, as well as the focus on business impact. 

Read our Interview with Rt Hon. Ruth Kelly

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