08.07.2011

PLA appoints new Chief Harbour Master

The Port of London Authority has announced the appointment of David Phillips as chief harbour master.

David Phillips will succeed current chief harbour master, David Snelson, who will be retiring from the PLA later this year, after five years’ service.

David Phillips joined the PLA in 2007 as Deputy Harbour Master (Upper); he was promoted to Harbour Master (Upper) in 2009. Before joining the PLA, David was Director of Marketing and Maritime at the Defence Manufacturers Association. He previously worked for over 30 years in the Royal Navy as a specialist navigator and submarine captain.

PLA chief executive, Richard Everitt, said:

"David Snelson has been a great asset to the PLA in his role of chief harbour master and he will leave us with every good wish for the future. It very pleasing that we have been able to appoint David Phillips as his successor after a strong competition between internal and external candidates.”

The PLA is recruiting for a new Harbour Master (Upper), following David Phillips’ promotion. Harbour Master (Upper) covers the river Thames through central London. With much planning in hand for events in London next year, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee river pageant, David Phillips will continue as Harbour Master (Upper) until recruitment of his successor is complete.