Baltic Creative CIC has strengthened its board of directors with four new members. The appointments come from across the digital, creative and property sectors, bringing fresh expertise to the board. The new directors will help contribute to our thriving ecosystem of start-ups, SMEs, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

Introducing the new board members

The newly appointed members come from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a wide range of experience for Baltic Creative’s leadership team. Entrepreneurship expert, Julian Woods, joins the board, bringing extensive experience in mentoring business owners. Liz Edwards, an HR consultant currently pursuing a PhD in community-owned infrastructure, is another new face.

Adrien Mogenet, a data science and engineering specialist, focuses on optimising business data for enhanced revenue and efficiency. Dr Paul Jones, a lecturer at the University of Salford and a consultant in urban regeneration, rounds out the group of new appointments. Together, these four individuals bring unique perspectives that will help drive Baltic Creative’s future initiatives.

Baltic Creative’s new directors. (L-R: Julian Woods, Adrien Mogenet, Dr Paul Jones, and Liz Edwards)

Leadership transition

The appointment of these new members coincides with the departure of Dr. Fiona Armstrong-Gibbs, who has served as the chair of the board for 15 years. Fiona was critical role in nurturing the creative and digital sectors in the Liverpool City Region, helping Baltic Creative become a thriving community of innovative businesses. Karen Beddow, a board member since 2018, will assume the role of chair, ensuring continuity in leadership.

Commenting on the changes, CEO of Baltic Creative, Lynn Haime, said: 

“I’m very pleased to welcome four new members to the Baltic Creative board of directors. So much of the work we do wouldn’t be possible without the support of our non-executive directors, and this new cohort bring with them a wealth of diverse experience from across the creative and digital sectors, and the built environment. 

“After 15 years as part of our board, we’re sad to see Dr Fiona Armstrong-Gibbs step down in her role as chair, but we’re incredibly thankful for the work she’s undertaken with us and the invaluable contributions she has made to the creation and growth of Baltic Creative. 

“It’s a very exciting time for us, with a host of new businesses joining our community this year and the continued growth of the creative and digital sectors in Liverpool showing great promise. I look forward to working closely with our new board members to carry our vision forward and deliver for the many brilliant businesses that call the Baltic Triangle home.” 

Dr Fiona Armstrong-Gibbs, outgoing chair of the Baltic Creative board, added: 

“I’ve had an incredible journey with Baltic Creative over the last 15 years. It’s a journey that has profoundly impacted both my professional and personal life and has introduced me to several brilliant people who have become colleagues and good friends. 

“Seeing founding director, Jayne Casey, and current director, Ngunan Adamu, at Cunard’s Queen Anne naming ceremony in June beautifully showcased the ongoing influence of Baltic Creative across the Liverpool City Region. From humble beginnings to a thriving community of over 100 businesses, our unique approach has stood the test of time. 

“I’m confident in handing over the reins to Lynn, Karen, the board and the wider team to guide us through the next 15 years – continuing to foster a great sense of community, support the growth of our creative and digital economy, and champion innovation at every opportunity.” 

As Baltic Creative enters this new phase, the organisation is poised to continue supporting and growing the creative and digital industries in Liverpool. The experience and expertise of the new board members, combined with the strong foundation laid by the outgoing chair, promise a future filled with opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and community growth.