Finbarr Dowling appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport

The man who led two of the Humber region’s biggest inward investments has been appointed as the new Chair of Humber Freeport.

Senior Siemens executive Finbarr Dowling, who has driven forward large-scale investments within the region with a total value of £1 billion, is to lead the Board of Humber Freeport.

He will take up the role in October, following his retirement from Siemens.

It follows an extensive recruitment process, led by a selection committee of Humber Freeport Board members and representatives of partner organisations, with their recommendation to appoint Mr Dowling supported unanimously by the Board.

Announcing the appointment, Humber Freeport Acting Chair Professor Neal Juster said: “This key position attracted an excellent field of candidates, reflecting the strategically significant role Humber Freeport plays in driving investment and economic development within the region.

“Following completion of the recruitment process, we’re delighted to have appointed a leader with absolutely outstanding credentials as our new Chair.

“Finbarr will bring exceptional experience, credibility and connections to the role, as well as an unrivalled perspective, as someone who has overseen major investments into the region from vision to delivery. 

“He also has a deep passion for the region and commitment to maximising its potential for growth. We look forward to Finbarr taking up his new role and leading the next stage of development for the Freeport.”  

As one of 12 UK freeports, Humber Freeport is a specially-designated cluster of strategically important sites benefiting from incentives designed to boost investment, economic growth and international trade.

Humber Freeport covers three tax sites, in Hull, Goole and Immingham, and a customs site in Grimsby, and offers investors significant advantages related to tax, planning, infrastructure, innovation and customs.

More than £1.2bn of investment has already been pledged in the Humber Freeport tax sites. The Freeport also plays an important role as a cross-sector organisation working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to deliver on the Humber’s economic and industrial opportunities. 

Mr Dowling has worked for global technology giant Siemens for more than 35 years, in a variety of senior and leadership roles. He brings to his new position extensive experience and expertise in advanced manufacturing, inward investment, regional economic development and Government affairs. 

Over the past 12 years he has been focused on leading the delivery of two of the region’s largest and most significant inward investments – Siemens’ developments focused on offshore wind, in Hull, and the rail industry, in Goole.

Mr Dowling said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Freeport Board, executive team and partners to realise the many exciting opportunities that freeport status offers.

“Having dedicated much of the past 12 years to delivering large-scale on the Humber, I know this region is a great place to invest and do business.

“Recent developments, including the Government’s restated commitment to Freeports, and the establishment of combined authorities led by elected Mayors, have added to the positive landscape for the region.

“Working collaboratively with partners within the region and outside it, Humber Freeport has an important role to play in securing investment, driving growth and creating high-value jobs. I’m pleased that, as Chair of the Freeport, I can continue to contribute to driving the Humber forward.”

Mr Dowling was the Project Director for Siemens Gamesa’s investment, in partnership with Associated British Ports, in an offshore wind turbine blade factory, assembly and logistics operations at Alexandra Dock in Hull.

This investment cemented the Humber’s position as a world class centre for offshore wind power and has created well over 1,000 jobs directly.

He was later appointed as Director of Localisation for Siemens Mobility and has driven forward the development of an industry-leading rail centre of excellence in Goole.

Siemens Mobility’s Goole Rail Village features a trains factory, currently assembling new tube trains for the London Underground, as well as components, logistics, innovation and office facilities, with a bogie assembly and service centre currently under construction. 

The Goole investment is creating up to 1,000 new jobs directly, as well as around 1,700 supply chain opportunities.

Over this time, Mr Dowling has built strong, collaborative relationships with local authorities, MPs, partner organisations, businesses and stakeholders within and outside the region, as well as in Government circles.

He has also led and supported several social value programmes, engaging with local schools, charities and community projects. These have included being a founding member and the launch Vice Chair of Hull’s employer-led school, Ron Dearing University Technical College.

Prof Juster will continue as Acting Chair until Mr Dowling takes up the role on a permanent basis. Prof Juster has led the Board since the Freeport’s Founding Chair, Simon Bird, stepped down in January, having spearheaded the process of securing freeport status and leading the Board since the organisation was formally established in summer 2023.