Ancora Group has appointed Simon Light as Group Chief Executive Officer, as demand grows for resilient coastal and marine infrastructure across the UK.
Simon Light has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ancora Group.
Light joins the marine and coastal infrastructure specialist with extensive experience leading business transformation and growth within engineering and infrastructure organisations. His previous leadership roles include positions at Arcadis, GHD, EC Harris and most recently M Group Services.
At Ancora Group, Light will lead the strategic development of the organisation and its three specialist subsidiaries: TMS Maritime, Hesselberg Erosion Protection and Marine Plant Hire.
Strengthening marine and coastal infrastructure expertise
Ancora Group focuses on delivering complex infrastructure projects across the UK’s coastlines, ports and inland waterways. The company combines marine engineering, erosion protection and civil engineering capabilities to support the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure.
The group expanded in March 2025 when investment from Sullivan Street Partners enabled the acquisition of TMS Maritime, Hesselberg Erosion Protection and Marine Plant Hire.
These businesses provide specialist services supporting coastal protection, erosion control and marine construction projects that are increasingly important as infrastructure faces the combined pressures of climate change, ageing assets and growing coastal populations.
Growing demand for resilient coastal infrastructure
Ancora Group expects demand for marine and coastal infrastructure services to increase significantly over the coming decade as the UK responds to rising climate risks and the need to modernise Victorian-era infrastructure.
Richard Sanders, Chairman of Ancora Group, said Simon Light’s appointment brings strategic leadership at an important stage in the company’s development.
“Simon adds significant strategic capability and pragmatic leadership to a business that has many opportunities and is served by a team with great expertise. Together, the group is much more than the sum of its parts and Simon will help us to maximise this potential,” he said.
Leadership focused on long-term infrastructure resilience
Simon Light said the group’s specialist expertise positions it to play an important role in strengthening the UK’s coastal and marine infrastructure.
“Ancora brings together highly complementary specialist businesses with deep marine and civil engineering expertise at a time when resilient infrastructure has never been more vital,” he said.
“By combining technical depth with disciplined execution and strong leadership, we will deliver infrastructure solutions that safeguard communities and create lasting value.”
Further coverage of infrastructure leadership and investment across the water sector can be found in the H2O Global News Companies section.
