Offshore Wind Growth Partnership appoints Irene Graham OBE and Andrew Duncan to Board of Directors
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has appointed Irene Graham OBE and Andrew Duncan as independent non-executive directors, strengthening its Board as it leads delivery of the Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan (IGP).
Together, they bring complementary expertise in scaling high-growth businesses, finance, industrial strategy and offshore wind markets supporting OWGP to build a stronger, more competitive UK offshore wind supply chain that delivers long-term economic growth.
Irene Graham OBE is founding Chief Executive of the ScaleUp Institute, where she has led national efforts to help high-growth businesses scale and initiatives to support access to finance, markets and talent. A former senior banker at Standard Chartered Bank, Irene has held senior leadership roles across Europe and globally, leading major client businesses, strategic initiatives and mergers and acquisitions. Throughout her career, Irene has worked closely with government, industry and the finance sector to improve the UK's business growth ecosystem.
Andrew Duncan is Renewables and Innovations Director at North Star and has more than two decades of experience developing offshore wind supply chain capability. He has played a leading role in bringing innovative offshore wind vessels to market, including the world's first wind turbine installation vessel.
Since joining North Star in 2021, Andrew has helped drive the company's expansion into offshore wind, including securing multiple Service Operation Vessel contracts across the sector to landmark projects and developers. Earlier in his career, he also worked with RenewableUK, supporting the development of UK supply chain companies in offshore wind.
The appointments follow an open recruitment process launched earlier this year to identify independent directors with expertise in supply chains and financial governance, ensuring the Board has the breadth of capability needed for OWGP’s next phase of growth.
The announcement also marks the conclusion of Dr Isobel Sheldon OBE's tenure as an independent non-executive director. Isobel has brought valuable insight, expertise and commitment to the Board, helping guide OWGP through an important period of development.
Tim Pick, Chair of the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, said:
"I would like to thank Dr Isobel Sheldon OBE for her outstanding contribution to OWGP over the past two years. Since joining the Board in 2023, Isobel has brought valuable technical expertise, strategic insight and commercial experience, helping guide OWGP through an important period of growth.
As we thank Isobel and wish her every success, we are pleased to welcome Irene Graham OBE and Andrew Duncan to the Board. Together, they bring an exceptional combination of experience in business growth, finance, innovation and the offshore wind supply chain.
Their insight will strengthen OWGP’s leadership as we work with industry, government and partners to help UK companies capture the significant opportunities ahead."
Commenting on her appointment, Irene Graham OBE said:
"I'm delighted to join the OWGP Board at such a significant time for the organisation and for the UK's clean energy ambitions. The Industrial Growth Plan represents an important opportunity to strengthen UK businesses, unlock investment and build globally competitive supply chains.
I look forward to working with the Board and partners to help more UK companies scale, innovate and capture the long-term opportunities created by offshore wind."
Andrew Duncan said:
"The UK has an outstanding opportunity to build on its global leadership in offshore wind by developing stronger domestic supply chains and industrial capability. Having spent much of my career working across the sector, I've seen first-hand the innovation and expertise within UK businesses.
I’m pleased to be joining the OWGP Board and look forward to supporting its work with industry to accelerate investment, strengthen capability and help UK companies compete in domestic and international markets."
The appointments come as OWGP leads delivery of the Industrial Growth Plan, strengthening the leadership and expertise needed to help UK companies scale, compete and capture more value from offshore wind.
Notes to Editors
For more information contact:
Rhianna Knight-McGrath, Marketing and Communications Manager at OWGP, rhianna.knight-mcgrath@owgp.org.uk
About the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working closely with industry to strengthen the UK’s offshore wind supply chain and boost its global competitiveness.
Established in 2019 by the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC), OWGP plays a central role in delivering the Industrial Growth Plan - turning ambition into practical action that supports long-term growth.
Through a combination of targeted funding, industry expertise and hands-on business support, we help companies move forward with confidence and at pace. Our programmes are designed to build a supply chain that is resilient, capable and ready to compete on the global stage.
Our vision is of a world-leading UK offshore wind supply chain that secures investment, skills and value at home, while exporting UK technology and expertise to global markets. Working in partnership with industry, we align our support with strategic priorities to maximise impact for both the UK economy and the offshore wind sector.
For more information, visit: https://owgp.org.uk/