This in from Cowes Harbour Commission, in their own words. Ed
Roger Mathias has been unanimously re-elected as Chairman of Cowes Harbour Commission from 2013 to 2016.
Commenting on his continuing role with Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC), Roger said: “I am privileged to be re-elected as CHC Chairman and thank the Commissioners for their continued confidence in me; I hope to be able repay their trust over the next three years. I enjoy the challenges in serving CHC and hope we are seen as continually improving our service to stakeholders. CHC is constantly evolving to ensure Cowes Harbour meets stakeholder requirements and is ‘first in class’ for current and future generations.
“During the last few years a number of key projects have been implemented and improvements made in internal management organisation, stakeholder communications and board governance with robust procedures in place for Commissioners’ recruitment and re-appointment.”
“A true sheltered harbour”
He went on to say, “As many of you know, CHC has, for a number of years, been active on planning for a protective Outer Harbour wall. One regret is that we have been unable, as yet, to confirm a financial vehicle to commence construction. In partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency, we now hope to see a start during 2013.
“Before the end of my chairmanship, I hope to see Cowes transformed into a ‘true sheltered harbour’, which will facilitate a variety of new developments and business opportunities for stakeholders in Cowes and East Cowes, and indeed across the Island.”
“World class centre of yachting”
Roger continued, “I also look forward to helping CHC play a leading role in assisting Cowes to strengthen and fulfill its potential as a ‘world class centre of yachting’ through initiatives designed to encourage more major events and visitors to Cowes.
“As Chairman for Cowes Harbour Commission, I’m fortunate to have an experienced, skilled, and hard-working team of Commissioners who contribute a diversity of expertise. CHC is also fortunate in having a very professional management team led by Capt. Stuart McIntosh.”
Third term for Roger
This is Roger’s third term as Commissioner, having been first appointed in May 2007. In May 2010 he took over as Chairman from Jeremy Preston. In compliance with the British Ports Association guidance “Modernising Trust Ports“, Cowes Harbour Commissioners are permitted to stand for a third term if serving as Chairman, whilst Commissioners normally stand for two, three year terms.
Roger has held various senior executive director positions for companies in the European aerospace and defence sector and is currently a non-exec on a Government board. He has been a Cowes resident since 1970; he is a keen cruising sailor, a member of the Island Sailing Club, and berths his yacht in Cowes.
