Falmouth Harbour is welcoming two high calibre marine professionals as Commissioners on its non-executive Board – completing an open recruitment process towards the end of 2025 which has also recently seen senior executive Nigel Tipple appointed as its new Chair.
James Langley’s extensive career in maritime, port and cruise-sector operational management, and Michael Glanville’s in board-level marina, leisure and property sectors, put them in prime position for the roles of Falmouth Harbour Marine Commissioners.
Along with new Chair Nigel Tipple – whose 30-year career in private and public sector organisations spans board and executive level – they join the 7-strong Board of Commissioners who help shape current strategy and future prosperity for one of the UK’s premier Harbours.
Falmouth Harbour CEO Miles Carden says, “We feel proud to have attracted such a large and high-quality field of candidates: to have made three appointments with exactly the broad mix of skills and extensive senior level experience that we hoped to find is very exciting. Our Harbour Board, alongside the 35 people in the wider Falmouth Harbour operational team, have the privilege of working in and steering the prosperity of one of the greatest natural harbours in the world. Responsibility for balancing the needs of all our stakeholders and our fantastic environment comes with challenges, but it also gives us huge scope and ambition to make a real difference.”
For more than 150 years Falmouth Harbour as a Trust Port has managed the third deepest natural harbour in the world, strategically placed on the UK’s Western approaches.
James Langley comments on his appointment, “I am honoured to join the Falmouth Harbour Board at such a pivotal time. The harbour’s rich history and crucial role in maritime operations make it an exciting opportunity and I look forward to contributing my experience in commercial shipping and cruise to support its continued growth and stewardship.”
Michael Glanville adds, “It’s a privilege to join the Falmouth Harbour Board. With my background in the leisure industry and marinas, I am committed to ensuring that the harbour continues to thrive as a welcoming destination for both recreational and commercial users. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and the wider team to support sustainable growth, while safeguarding the unique character and environment that make Falmouth Harbour so special.”
The Harbour Commissioners’ remit covers the operation of Falmouth Harbour, Falmouth Haven and Falmouth Pilot Services, with statutory responsibility for the safety, navigation and conservation of approximately 65 square miles of harbour area.
Falmouth Harbour’s income is primarily made up from dues received from commercial shipping, charges for the provision of leisure facilities and the provision of pilotage. The Harbour organisation has no shareholders and is accountable to the local community, with all surpluses reinvested in the Harbour for the benefit of present and future generations of users.
The new appointments join the Board as Falmouth Harbour bids farewell to three long-serving and much-respected Commissioners – out-going Chair Mark Chanter, John Elliott and Gerald Pitts.
Miles Carden says, “As we say a huge thank you to Mark, John and Gerald who have together given tireless dedication and an incredible 18 years of service to the Falmouth Harbour Board between them, we look forward to welcoming James, Michael and Nigel, working alongside them in these exciting times for Falmouth. We are also grateful to our recruitment partner Anna Jay from Public Leaders Appointments and the high-calibre field of candidates who took the trouble and time to apply.”
Anna Jay says, “It has been a privilege to lead the search for Falmouth Harbour’s new Chair and Commissioners. The response to the campaign was exceptional, with candidates of remarkable calibre from across the maritime, commercial and public sectors. Nigel, James and Michael each bring deep expertise, strong values and a genuine commitment to Falmouth Harbour’s future.”
