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Cliff Brand [pictured] has resigned from his post as chief executive officer (CEO) of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) to take up the role of marine director at King Abdullah Economic City Seaport in Saudi Arabia.

The news comes only four months after Brand took up his appointment on 24 October 2012, and just weeks after the departure of IBIA's event manager, Charlotte Egan, in mid-February.

IBIA board member Trevor Harrison will act as interim chief executive until a replacement is found. Harrison previously acted as IBIA chief executive for 15 months during 2011/12 following the resignaton of Ian Adams, who went on to set up marine consultancy IMA Marine Ltd..

Commenting on Brand's departure, IBIA chairman Nigel Draffin said: "Obviously we are sorry to see Cliff Brand leave, but fully understand his reasons for doing so and wish him all the best in his exciting new role. The search for a new chief executive is now underway and we expect to have someone in place shortly. The organisation is in good hands and we will continue to support our membership by providing them with technical information and lobbying services."

A former head of the Gibraltar Maritime Administration, Cliff Brand’s 27 year career in the shipping industry has encompassed a wide range of roles including twelve years at sea, accident investigator and harbour master.

Career summary

Captain C W Brand BSc (Hons) MBA FNI

Following 12 years in the Merchant Navy (1985-1997), mainly as Master on board AHTS vessels and a period ashore in ship superintendence, Cliff Brand joined the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch as an Accident Investigator. During his time there (1997-2004), he obtained a BSc Honours Degree in Shipping Operations, as well as Diploma in Marine Surveying.

In 2004, he took up the post of Maritime Administrator for the Government of Gibraltar, where he was head of the Gibraltar Maritime Administration. During his tenure he was directly responsible for substantial growth of registered tonnage on the Gibraltar Ship Register as well as Paris MOU "White List" status recognition. He was also actively involved with the IMO. He was Chief Executive of the Gibraltar Port Authority between 2006 and 2008, where in addition to port business he was involved extensively in the salvage of a high profile marine casualty.

In 2008, he returned to the UK to take up the post of Harbour Master / Marine Manager for Harwich Haven Authority. He obtained an MBA in shipping and logistics and in 2012 he joined Eagle Lyon Pope as a Marine Consultant.

Captain Brand is a Fellow of the Nautical Institute and a Younger Brother of Trinity House.