Sue John

Immediate Past Chair, Society for Underwater Technology

Until December 2024 Sue was the Vice President & Chair of Council of the Society for Underwater Technology building on her cross-sector experiences and bringing together different parts of the industry. In this time, Sue supported the creation of a new branch in the Eastern Mediterranean. Since the end of her term as Chair of SUT, Sue continues to support the subsea and STEM communities. She was conference Chair for Ocean Business 25. Over her career Sue has worked in every state education sector from nurseries to universities. She is a board member of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers and a Trustee of their Education Charitable Trust. Continuing to support the next generation, Sue is an Apprentice Master providing mentorship to 4 STEM undergraduates. Sue strongly believes in supporting and mentoring women in the subsea industries, nurturing young talent and lifelong learning.

Judith Patten, MBE

Principal, JPPR

A PR/marketing history led, in 1975, to a life in which oil and gas conferences and exhibitions, and Oi ,figured prominently. In 2000, with David Stott Offshore Europe’s founder, created All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference. RX acquired it in 2011. Judith was retained until late 2025 creating its major conference and handling PR. Judith was awarded MBE for ‘services to renewable energy’; presented with the Scottish Green Energy Outstanding Contribution Award, Hydrogen Scotland’s Lifetime Contribution Award and SUT’s President’s Award. Judith was SUT’s President in 2021 and is a Council member.

Sophie Martin Geophysicist

Geophysicist, RWE Renewables

Sophie is a Geophysicist currently working at RWE Renewables in their Geophysics and Metocean team with a focus on early-stage offshore windfarm development. Sophie is still early in her career and still learning the various aspects and requirements at various stages of offshore windfarm development.
Her expertise is focused on landfall and nearshore surveys. Sophie also sits on the SUT’s Early Careers Offshore Site Investigation, Geoscience and Geotechnics (ECOSIGG) Committee.

Elena Lewendon

COO, Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust

Elena is Chief Operating Officer of the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust (FMHT), a UK-registered charity dedicated to advancing public understanding of maritime history, with a focus on the Falklands, South Atlantic and surrounding seas. With an academic background in Classics, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Theory, she has over 20 years’ experience in museums, conservation and heritage management.

At FMHT, Elena works across research, education and high-profile expeditions that uncover new wrecks, new stories and new ways of engaging audiences with the past. This includes the discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance and ongoing work relating to the German First World War cruiser SMS Scharnhorst. She is particularly interested in how innovative technologies, including remote sensing, advanced survey methods and 3D modelling, can transform how maritime heritage is recorded, interpreted and shared.
Elena’s work focuses on ensuring these globally significant discoveries are preserved responsibly and communicated accessibly, connecting people of all ages with stories of maritime endeavour, exploration and survival.

Aime Harrison

Non-Executive Director, Navalmartin Limited and Technical Advisory Panel Member, ICHCA International

Aime has represented ICHCA International at the International Maritime Organization (the shipping agency of the United Nations) since 2011 advising on technical and editorial content for international shipping conventions via working groups for the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers and the Marine Environment Protection Committee. As a Chartered Engineer with an MBA in Energy, Oil and Gas, Aime has been the leader of teams engaged in Marine Warranty Surveys, salvage operations, marine infrastructure claims and environmental strategies. She has testified in international shipping arbitrations as an Expert Witness.

Aime also advises on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a non-executive director, and she is a STEM Volunteer for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.