UK-based advanced maritime technology company SubSea Craft announced the appointment of Camilla Martin – as chief executive officer on 30 January 2024.
Previously the company’s CFO, Martin replaces Scott Verney, who was CEO for the past four-and-a-half years, following Verney’s decision to step down in December 2023. Martin originally joined SubSea Craft in 2019, following a career in the city and then the retail sector, and has spearheaded the company’s international push as the company has grown its offer to prospective buyers.
SubSea Craft is most well known for its Victa diver delivery unit (DDU): an optionally crewed maritime platform for surface and subsurface operations. With the first Victa prototype having conducted its first underwater trials last summer, SubSea Craft is ramping up its conversations with various UK allies about procuring the craft.
“The company is focusing heavily on developing its ability to manufacture Victa at scale, to handle projected demand for the next-generation craft as navies increasingly turn to more agile and advanced technology solutions to handle contested maritime spaces,” the company stated in a 30 January press release.
Alongside its core Victa platform, SubSea Craft says it will continue to invest in research and development programmes in complementary areas such as advanced materials. This follows the company being awarded several contracts by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to develop advanced capabilities, including under the MoD’s Uncrewed Surface/Subsurface Vessel (USSV) framework.
Talking of her promotion, Martin was quoted in a company press release as saying, “I’m delighted to take on the role of CEO at SubSea Craft and lead the business into the next stage of growth. Having achieved proof-of-concept for Victa, and with discussions reaching an advanced stage with a number of the UK’s global allies, it will be a pivotal year for the company.
“Developing new and cutting-edge technology is an exciting journey, and this is the foundation of what we do at SubSea,” she added. “My vision, and that of my brilliant and widely experienced management team, is to continue to push the art of the possible. We will provide militaries and other clients with access to rapid needs-driven solutions, applicable to the challenges they face.”
Graham Allen, Chairman of SubSea Craft, was quoted as saying, “Camilla has played a huge role in the leadership of Subsea Craft over the over the last four years, making her perfectly placed to lead the business into the next stage of growth. She also has a wealth of commercial experience prior to SubSea Craft, which will ensure the business reaches the next important milestone.”
