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The Celtic Freeport Board

Dr Chris Martin OBE MStJ DL

Chris Martin joins as Interim Chair, with a distinguished career in leadership roles across ports, private, public and charitable sectors. He served for 12 years as Chair and Vice Chair of the Port of Milford Haven, the UK’s leading energy port, where Chris championed regeneration, inward investment and community resilience. A strong advocate of regional development, he backed the Swansea Bay City Deal and was part of the team that helped establish the Celtic Freeport to drive economic growth across South West Wales. He has also made a significant contribution to Welsh public life, chairing four separate health organisations over two decades, along with national and local charities and currently chairs the Life Sciences Hub Wales. In 2023, he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant for Dyfed and in 2025, he was awarded an OBE for distinguished service to the maritime and port sector.

Tom Sawyer

Tom Sawyer is Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, the UK’s largest energy port. First and foremost, he is charged with enabling the safe movement of the shipping that delivers the energy lifeblood of our nations. As a trust port, the Port of Milford Haven also plays a central role in building the region’s long-term prosperity. Under Tom’s leadership, the Port is committed to building a future where coastal communities have access to rewarding careers, rich culture and make a positive contribution to the natural environment.

Noelwyn Daniel

Noelwyn Daniel has nearly 40 years in the public sector, primarily in Wales, and has dedicated his career to improving community services. Starting as a schools science lab technician, he rose to chief officer level as Head of ICT and Corporate Policy at Carmarthenshire County Council. In 2023, he became Corporate Director of Strategy and Corporate Services at Neath Port Talbot Council, overseeing Digital Services, HR, Legal, Procurement, Corporate Policy and Governance. Outside of work, he is a seasoned triathlete and volunteer, having organised 150+ events and raised nearly £150,000 for community causes.

Ashley Curnow

Ashley Curnow is ABP’s Divisional Port Manager for Wales and the South West. He was formerly Head of the Humber International Terminal and Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal, which is ABP’s biggest operation, and has worked in various commercial and operational roles in ABP’s Humber region. Ashley is originally from Aberfan and holds a BSc in Accounting and Finance from Swansea University and an MBA from London Business School. His background provides the Celtic Freeport with valuable insights into ABP’s operations and the business environment.

Richard Brown

Richard Brown is Assistant Chief Executive at Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), with responsibility for economic development and planning. He has a background in environmental science and environmental risk management, with over 34 years in the public sector. Initially, he worked for the National Rivers Authority based in the North East of England, before relocating to Pembrokeshire to work for PCC in the department responsible for public protection, emergency planning and waste and environment. He was the Acting Chief Executive for PCC for 10 months in 2020/21.

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