Christopher Rodrigues appointed chair of MCA

Port of London Authority chairman, Christopher Rodrigues CBE has been appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport as the new non-executive chair of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Christopher Rodrigues will formally take up his new role this month (April 2021), succeeding Michael Parker, who has been MCA chairman since 2017. Mr Rodrigues’ six-year term as PLA chairman concludes on 31 December 2021. The process to recruit the next PLA chairman is already underway.

Commenting on the announcement, Christopher Rodrigues said:

“I am delighted to be taking up the role and look forward to supporting the MCA team as they adapt to the changing needs and commercial requirements of international shipping and maintain the great traditions of HM Coastguard.

“The UK is a world leading maritime nation. Ensuring that the MCA provides an effective and responsive service is central to retaining this position.”

PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer, added:

“Many congratulations to Christopher on his appointment as MCA chairman, building on his five years at the PLA to take up this national maritime role. We wish him well and look forward to maintaining close links, once his term as PLA chairman concludes at the end of this year.”

Christopher Rodrigues has more than 50 years’ experience across private, public and government sector roles in the UK and internationally. In addition to chairing the PLA, he is also chairman of the Royal Ballet School. His extensive experience across the travel and transport sector, includes serving as CEO of Thomas Cook, president and CEO of Visa Inc, and vice chair of the World Travel & Tourism Council.