Les Philpott has been appointed as the new Chair of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). His three-year term will begin on 7 August 2025.
Les brings a wealth of experience to the role, including as the current Chair of the Government Actuary’s Department, Lead Non-Executive Board Member at the Northern Ireland Office and a Non-Executive Director of Benenden Healthcare Society Ltd. He has previously held several leadership roles in health, education and at the Health and Safety Executive.
The appointment has been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit, and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs thanks Tony Delahunty for his leadership as Interim Chair since November 2024.
Minister for Fisheries, Daniel Zeichner said:
“I am very grateful to Tony Delahunty for his dedication and leadership as Interim Chair of the Marine Management Organisation. Tony’s knowledge and understanding of the fishing industry has been vital in supporting the organisation’s work to protect our marine environment while enabling sustainable economic growth through responsible use of our seas.
“I look forward to working closely with Les Philpott to continue delivering this important mission.”
Biography
Les is the Chair of the Board of the Government Actuary’s Department. He is also Lead Non-Executive Board Member at the Northern Ireland Office and a Non-Executive Director of Benenden Healthcare Society Ltd, where he chairs the Group Nominations and Remuneration Committee. Les’ previous non-executive experience includes Non-Executive Director and Chair roles in the NHS and in education. He was formerly the CEO at the Office for Nuclear Regulation and previously held senior leadership roles at the Health and Safety Executive.
Notes for editors
Driven by government’s aim for clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas, the Marine Management Organisation’s purpose is to protect and enhance our precious marine environment, and support UK economic growth by enabling sustainable marine activities and development. It is responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and has a wide range of responsibilities, which include implementing plan-led marine management, licensing marine works and managing UK fishing fleet capacity and UK fisheries quotas.
