Witherbys appoints David Balston as Chairman

Witherbys, the maritime publishing experts, announces the appointment of Royal Navy and industry stalwart David Balston as Company Chairman (non-executive director). Having joined Witherbys’ Board of Directors as Deputy Chairman two years ago, David will provide specialist sector expertise and support the company’s continued ambitions in his new role.

Commenting on his appointment, David said: “I continue to admire Witherbys for the quality of its industry leading publications, its ethics as a business and the treatment of its people. This is an exciting opportunity to build, support and innovate the maritime industry through delivering valuable content, services and technical standards.”

Following a 32 year career in the Royal Navy, David joined the UK Chamber of Shipping in 2010 as Director of Safety & Environment, where his team sought to deliver a regulatory climate that maintained high environmental and safety standards for British shipping companies.

In 2014 he was appointed Director of Policy, taking on responsibility and oversight of all Chamber policy areas while engaging members, raising the profile of the Chamber and ensuring it was at the heart of the major issues impacting the shipping industry.

During his time in the Royal Navy, David commanded a Trident submarine carrying the UK’s strategic deterrent and served in a number of key managerial and strategic positions in UK and US military and political areas. He advised the then British Prime Minister on nuclear deterrent issues and on NATO and EU military matters and was also the communications manager for the Government’s crisis management organisation, COBR.

Based in Edinburgh, Witherbys is one of Scotland’s largest and most successful publishing companies, exporting a portfolio of more than 400 specialist shipping titles to more than 110 countries.

The company brings together working groups, including specialist consultants from relevant sectors and in-house technical advisors, authors and editors, to produce top-quality, well-regarded publications from inception to distribution.

CEO at Witherbys, Iain Macneil, said: “Having known David for ten years prior to him joining the board as Deputy Chairman, I am delighted that he has accepted the role of Chairman. David has a firm knowledge and understanding of the development and implementation of guidelines, recommendations and best practice among the main shipping trade associations from his time at the UK Chamber and that understanding combined with his calm and steady leadership are all key values in this role at Witherbys.”