Finbarr Dowling becomes chair of Humber Freeport
The project director for Siemens has driven forward two of the region’s largest inward investments to a value of £1bn, and will take on the role from October, when he retires from the technology and infrastructure company.
Following a recruitment process led by Humber Freeport board members and partner organisations, the recommendation to select Dowling was supported unanimously.
Dowling will replace founding chair Simon Bird, who led the bid to secure freeport status and established the organisation.
Bird stepped down at the end of last year, before becoming chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
Dowling has spent his career at Siemens having worked there for 36 years, and headed up Siemens Gamesa’s investment in an offshore wind turbine factory at Alexandra Dock in Hull, in partnership with Associated British Ports, and the 67-acre railway manufacturing facility, Rail Village, in Goole.
These two projects have created more than 2,000 direct jobs and cemented East Yorkshire as a world leader in offshore wind power and rail centre.
Speaking at Place Yorkshire’s East Yorkshire Development Update in May, Dowling said of his commitment to the region: “I’ve been blessed to work here for 14 years, and I’ve overseen two big investments Siemens has made…
“The site in Goole was chosen from over 110 we looked at in the UK, and it was a shortlist of three. They all had land and they all had train tracks, but because we had worked here, we’d worked with the both local councils, because we could see the people, how talented they were, because we could see the pipelines, things like the Technical College, we knew the skills would be here.
“So I think for Siemens, it’s that consistency of: the skills are here, the land is here. It’s good value. We’ve got access to our markets. So all these things combined are why Siemens has chosen and continues to choose East Yorkshire. We’re just building another £60m factory as we speak. So we’re very committed for those reasons.”
Humber freeport is one of 12 throughout the UK and covers three tax sites in Hull, Goole, and Immingham, as well as a customs site in Grimsby.
Neal Juster will continue as acting chair until Dowling steps into the role on a permanent basis.
He said: “This key position attracted an excellent field of candidates, reflecting the strategically significant role Humber Freeport plays in driving investment and economic development within the region.
“Following completion of the recruitment process, we’re delighted to have appointed a leader with absolutely outstanding credentials as our new chair.
“Finbarr will bring exceptional experience, credibility, and connections to the role, as well as an unrivalled perspective, as someone who has overseen major investments into the region, from vision to delivery.
“He also has a deep passion for the region and commitment to maximising its potential for growth.”
Dowling said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Freeport Board, executive team and partners to realise the many exciting opportunities that freeport status offers.
“Having dedicated much of the past 12 years to delivering large-scale on the Humber, I know this region is a great place to invest and do business.
“Recent developments, including the government’s restated commitment to Freeports, and the establishment of combined authorities led by elected Mayors, have added to the positive landscape for the region.
“Working collaboratively with partners within the region and outside it, Humber Freeport has an important role to play in securing investment, driving growth, and creating high-value jobs.”
