OWGP expands strategy team to support delivery of IGP27

The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has appointed Chris Rowland as Senior Project Manager for Industrial Growth, strengthening the team leading development of the 2027 Industrial Growth Plan (IGP27).

The appointment comes as OWGP continues work on the next iteration of the Industrial Growth Plan, bringing together industry, government, investors and supply chain partners to define the actions needed to maximise the UK's offshore wind opportunity over the coming years.

Chris brings more than a decade of experience across offshore wind, engineering and manufacturing, with previous senior roles at Flotation Energy, RWE and Ørsted. His experience spans commercial strategy, industrial development and project delivery across both UK and international markets, including work on landmark projects such as Green Volt and Formosa 1.

The appointment reflects a period of significant growth for OWGP. Over the past year, the organisation has expanded its capability through the formation of three distinct departments, strengthening its ability to support the UK offshore wind supply chain while delivering an expanded remit on behalf of the sector.

Chris joins OWGP's Strategy team, led by Executive Director of Industrial Development Strategy, Alex MacPhie, where he will play a central role in project managing the development of IGP27. Working closely with industry, government and delivery partners, he will help coordinate stakeholder engagement, programme delivery and the evidence-gathering activities that will underpin the updated Plan.

Building on the foundations of the original Industrial Growth Plan, published in 2024, IGP27 will assess progress made across the sector, refresh the UK's offshore wind industrial opportunity and establish clear priorities for the years ahead. While the original Plan focused on identifying where value could be created, IGP27 will place greater emphasis on delivery, implementation and measuring progress against agreed objectives.

The updated Plan will reflect how the offshore wind market has evolved since 2024, considering changes in technology, supply chains, investment and global competition. It will also help align action across industry and government around a shared ambition: strengthening UK industrial capability and increasing the economic value captured from offshore wind deployment.

With publication planned for 2027, IGP27 will provide an updated evidence base, refreshed strategic priorities and a clear framework for measuring progress, helping ensure the sector is well positioned to translate opportunity into long-term industrial growth.

For Chris, the role brings together many of the themes that have defined his career to date. His extensive experience in delivering complex projects across the offshore wind sector, from supporting the development of Flotation Energy's UK portfolio to helping bring Taiwan's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, Formosa 1, into operation during his time with Ørsted. Having also held senior leadership roles at RWE, his experience spans project delivery, commercial strategy and industrial development at every stage of the project lifecycle.

Speaking on his appointment, Chris Rowland said;

"I'm delighted to join OWGP at this critical time for the sector. The UK has shown sector leadership at home and abroad over the past 20 years. Now more than ever, investing in and strengthening the UK's industrial foundation across the regions and nation is key aspect of assuring energy security and sustained economic growth." 

Passionate about turning innovation into industrial opportunity, Chris has built his career around bringing together technology, investment and industry to accelerate deployment and create long-term economic value. That combination of strategic insight and delivery experience will play an important role as OWGP works with industry partners to develop a practical, evidence-led roadmap for the next phase of growth in the UK's offshore wind sector.

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/