Chelsea Technologies, a leader in optical sensing technologies for oceanographic research and compliance monitoring, announced that Elizabeth Paull, Managing Director, will be stepping down from her role. Ian Hale, who brings 20 years of experience from a range of industries, including the marine and defense sectors, has been brought in to support Chelsea’s management team while it seeks a permanent successor.
Elizabeth will take up a new role supporting the development of the wider Ocean Science strategy for parent company Covelya Group during the leadership transition period, allowing the Chelsea team to continue to benefit from her deep knowledge and experience of the Ocean Science marketplace.
Guided by Paull, Chelsea has pioneered the use of active fluorometry as a new tool for climate research and has developed biological sensing instruments with wide applicability in Ocean Science. She also navigated the company through the stormy waters of the Covid pandemic and led a change process that refocused the team back onto its Ocean Science roots.
Paull says, “I’m proud of the market and technology leadership Chelsea has undertaken and of the team’s accomplishment in repositioning the company for renewed growth within Covelya Group. The last few years have been challenging but I’m confident Chelsea is emerging as a strong player in the Ocean Science marketplace. I look forward to seeing new leadership build on what we have created.”
Stephen Fasham, Chelsea chairman and Covelya Group Chief Executive Officer, says: “Elizabeth has put Chelsea on a great course for the future and she leaves behind a strong team with a unique offering to Ocean Science. We are indebted to her for bringing the company safely through a turbulent period and for her vision in setting the right direction for the future. We are working closely with Ian and the Chelsea team to ensure a smooth transition, and we are confident that we will be able to build on the strong foundation that Elizabeth has laid.”
Chelsea Technologies was acquired by Covelya Group in 2018. The acquisition was the first step in Covelya Group’s long-term growth strategy to build a family of companies with complementary technologies and capabilities for the marine sector. Chelsea continues to benefit from strong commitment and financial backing from Covelya and is able to extend its reach through relationships with the other group companies, which now comprise Sonardyne International, EIVA, Wavefront Systems, Voyis and the most recent addition in defense company, Forcys.
