Montrose Port Authority (MPA) has invested in its leadership team by promoting Lynn Sayer to the position of Chief Commercial Officer, a move designed to drive forward the port’s strategic growth and development initiatives.

Lynn, who joined MPA in 2018, and previously served as the Business & Commercial Manager, has been instrumental in enhancing the port’s commercial capabilities. In her new role, she will work closely with MPA Chief Executive Officer, Tom Hutchison, to forge stronger industry relationships and spearhead Montrose Port’s commercial strategy.

Her input will aid MPA as it pursues its vision of becoming Scotland’s greenest port and the primary hub for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities in the country’s burgeoning offshore renewables sector. This goal aligns with the port’s recent successes in the last few years, including becoming the O&M base for two of Scotland’s biggest offshore wind farms: the upcoming Inch Cape project, and Seagreen, currently Scotland’s largest fully-operational offshore wind farm.

Lynn’s journey with MPA exemplifies the port’s dedication to investing in its team and nurturing internal talent. Recognising her potential, MPA supported Lynn’s pursuit of a Graduate Apprenticeship, enabling her to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Dundee while working full-time at the port, allowing her to apply her growing expertise directly to her role.

With Lynn’s significant involvement and under the leadership of Tom Hutchison, MPA has undertaken several transformative projects that have reshaped the port’s capabilities. These include the ongoing £4.5m regeneration of the historic Customs House, the construction of Seagreen’s O&M base using a repurposed building, and the implementation of Plug Montrose, a self-funded shore power facility that has made Montrose the first Scottish port to offer this service to offshore energy vessels. 

Lynn has also been influential in reinforcing the port’s trust status, overseeing the donation of over £360,000 to more than 70 local organisations and community initiatives in the past three years. Her commitment to the community extends to her role as a trustee on the board of Montrose Community Trust, an award-winning local charity that oversees more than 50 community programmes.

Commenting on her promotion, Lynn said: “It has been incredibly rewarding to witness and contribute to the growth of Montrose Port in my time with the business so far. I’m thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in the renewable energy sector. 

“I want to thank Tom for his unwavering support and guidance throughout my journey at MPA and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to take on a larger role in shaping the port’s future. My goal is to further strengthen our port community and inspire more women to pursue careers in this dynamic industry.”

MPA CEO, Tom Hutchison, expressed his confidence in Lynn’s capabilities:

“Lynn has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise. Her proactive approach has been very impactful in advancing our initiatives, particularly our Net Zero strategy.

“We’re immensely proud of Lynn’s accomplishments and are confident in her ability to lead our commercial strategy. This promotion is a well-deserved recognition of her significant contributions to both the port and the wider community.”

As one of the world’s largest chain and anchor ports, Montrose Port continues to play a vital role in serving the oil and gas and general cargo sectors while rapidly expanding its presence in renewables. With Lynn Sayer at the helm of its commercial operations, MPA is well-positioned to navigate the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in Scotland’s evolving maritime landscape, reinforcing its status as a key player in the country’s sustainable economic future.