New appointments on the board of the Marine Management Organization

Mark Ripley and Professor Judith Petts CBE were today (24 May) appointed to the Board of the Marine Management Organization (MMO).

Mark’s appointment will start on 1 July 2024 and will run for four years until 30 June 2028. Judith will have a four-year appointment from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2028.

These appointments were made in accordance with the Code of Ministerial Governance on Public Appointments.

Biographies

Mark Ripley

Mark has extensive experience in management, risk and internal audit roles in various central government departments and private sector organizations. Previously, he was director of risk and security at the Ministry of Justice, chief internal auditor of the Group at the Department of Work and Pensions and head of the Audit Committee of the European Social Fund. Mark has provided risk consultancy services to a range of organizations in the health, further education, housing and private sectors. He was a director in HM Treasury’s Government Finance Department, where he was responsible for risk and assurance across central government, including updating the risk management standard known as the Orange Book.

He is a Chartered Management Accountant – Fellow (FCMA) and a member of The Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors – UK (FCIIA).

Professor Judith Petts CBE

Professor Judith Petts has been Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Plymouth since February 2016, retiring in September 2024. She joins Plymouth from the University of Southampton, where she was Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, and was previously the inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Science Social and Humanities. Previously, she worked at the University of Birmingham for 12 years as Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Transfer.

Judith is currently a director of the Heart of the South-West LEP, a board member of the Marine Biological Association and a board member of the Great South West Pan-Regional Partnership. Additionally, she chaired the UK Climate Action Steering Group. Previously, she was a member of the Biotechnology and Life Sciences Research Council, the Natural Environment Research Council’s Innovation Council, the Defra Scientific Advisory Council and the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, among others.

She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s New Year Honors 2012 for services to scientific research.

Notes for editors

• All appointments are made on merit and political activities play no role in the selection process.
• The Marine Stewardship Organization is dedicated to protecting and enhancing our precious marine environment, ensuring that our seas are healthy, safe, productive and biodiverse.