New CEO appointed at UK Marine Management Organisation

The UK Marine Management Organisation (MMO) announced that its Board has appointed Elysia McCaffrey as its next CEO. McCaffrey, who will take up her new position on April 1, 2026, brings more than twenty years of experience in public administration to the role.

The new MMO's Chief Executive Officer will join the government organization after serving at the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), where she currently holds the position of Chief Executive and has led national initiatives to protect vulnerable people from exploitation and tackle labour abuse.

Previously, she had held senior positions at the Government Equalities Office and the Cabinet Office. It was precisely this public sector experience that the Marine Management Organisation Chair, Les Philpott, highlighted when commenting on her appointment.

"The Board and I are pleased to announce the appointment of Elysia McCaffrey as the next Chief Executive of MMO," he said. "Elysia brings a strong track record of leadership in public service with significant experience leading complex regulatory and operational organisations," the MMO Chair continued.

"At a time when pressures on our seas continue to increase, MMO's role in balancing economic growth with the protection of the marine environment has never been more important. Elysia's leadership will be key to ensuring the organisation continues to deliver Government priorities and supports the development of a sustainable blue economy for the future," Les Philpott added.

The MMO Chair took advantage of the announcement of Elysia McCaffrey's appointment to thank her predecessor, Michelle Willis, for her dedicated service as Acting Chief Executive since September 2023.

"Over the past two and a half years, her leadership has strengthened the organisation and enhanced our response to the growing ambitions of our stakeholders and customers, including delivering on our government's policies," he stated.

For her part, the new CEO also commented on her appointment. "I am delighted to be joining MMO and look forward to building on the excellent progress the organisation has made in ensuring the health of our marine environment and the industries that depend upon it," McCaffrey said.

"MMO plays a vital role in safeguarding England's waters while enabling sustainable activity across our marine sectors. I am excited to contribute to this important agenda, helping to ensure that our seas remain healthy, productive and resilient for generations to come," she added.

Driven by the UK Government's goal of achieving clean, healthy, safe, productive, and biologically diverse oceans and seas, the MMO aims to protect and enhance the marine environment, as well as support the UK's economic growth by promoting sustainable marine activities and development.

Although it has some cross-border responsibilities for specific activities, mostly offshore, activities in Welsh and Northern Irish waters—not in Scotland, where the regulatory body is Marine Scotland—the Marine Management Organisation operates primarily in English waters.