Marine Energy Wales names Jay Sheppard as programme manager as Tom Hill departs

Marine Energy Wales has appointed Jay Sheppard as its programme manager, replacing Tom Hill, who joined the organisation in 2021 and is now leaving, it announced on 6 November.

Marine Energy Wales (MEW) said Sheppard, currently a senior project manager in its team, would lead the organisation, support its membership and help develop the marine energy sector in Wales. It said he brought experience across the sector, particularly in tidal energy.

In the same announcement MEW said Charlie Allen had been promoted to senior project manager and would continue to focus on its offshore wind projects.

Tam Bardell, chair of Marine Energy Wales, said: "These appointments reflect the strength and expertise within our team, and I look forward to seeing MEW continue to develop its work supporting the marine energy sector in Wales."

The outgoing programme manager

Hill joined MEW in 2021 and initially worked on the META project before becoming programme manager in 2022, according to the announcement. MEW said he had provided leadership and support to a growing membership during his time at the organisation.

MEW said the changes came as opportunities emerged across tidal stream and floating offshore wind in Wales, and that it would continue to work with members, industry partners and stakeholders.

Sheppard's background

A profile published by Trade and Invest Wales, part of the Welsh Government, said Sheppard's day-to-day work focused on unblocking the practical barriers that can delay projects, including consenting, grid connections, funding timelines and supply chain readiness.

The profile said he worked with major players to ensure floating offshore wind, tidal stream and test facilities such as the META marine energy test area delivered long-term value for Wales, and described his work as helping ports and manufacturers position themselves for multi-decade pipelines in the Celtic and Irish Seas.

The organisation

MEW describes itself as bringing together project developers, technology innovators, suppliers, academia and the public sector across wave, tidal and floating offshore wind. Its team page also lists Jetske Germing as managing director and Saul Young as META test site manager.

Bardell, who was energy development manager at the Port of Milford Haven when appointed, succeeded Martin Murphy as chair. MEW said at the time that Murphy had guided the sector through a decade of growth.

The organisation grew out of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire, an initiative developed by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum in 2010. According to the forum, Marine Energy Wales was launched in 2016 to represent the industry at a national level.

The sector in numbers

MEW's 2026 State of the Sector report estimates that £364.8m has been invested in Wales' marine energy and offshore wind sectors, and that the marine renewable sector in Wales has supported 1,947 jobs to date.

The organisation's most recent conference ran over two days with 65 speakers, 16 sessions and almost 300 delegates, according to its website.