Meet the MarineSolar team: Ian Pilkington

Behind every scalable and resilient operation is an end-to-end supply chain strategy capable of adapting to change and supporting growth. At MarineSolar, that responsibility sits with Chief Supply Chain Officer Ian Pilkington, whose experience and forward-thinking approach help shape the company’s ongoing development.

Ian brings more than 30 years of experience in global manufacturing and supply chain leadership across the Automotive, Aerospace, Industrial, Energy and Medical sectors. Over the course of his career, he has built a strong reputation as a transformation specialist, helping organisations improve performance, simplify complex global supply chains, and deliver sustainable, measurable results.

His approach centres on aligning people, processes and purpose to create stronger, more effective operations. Supported by an MBA and ILM Level 7 qualifications in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, Ian combines operational expertise with a coaching-led leadership style focused on building accountability, capability and clarity across teams. This people-focused mindset has played a key role in many of the transformation and performance improvement programmes he has led throughout his career.

At MarineSolar, Ian is helping strengthen supply chain strategy, operational scalability and long-term resilience as demand for practical clean energy solutions continues to grow across the maritime sector.

Alongside his industry experience, Ian is currently pursuing a PhD exploring the future of work and how organisations must evolve as new generations, particularly Gen Z, enter the workforce with different expectations, values and ways of working. This research directly informs his work at MarineSolar, influencing approaches to supply chain strategy, talent development and organisational design.

Outside of work, Ian enjoys staying active through golf, road cycling and walking. He is also a qualified cricket coach, working with both children and adults, reflecting his passion for mentoring, development and helping others build confidence and capability.

By combining academic insight with hands-on industry experience, Ian brings a thoughtful and adaptable approach to MarineSolar’s leadership team. His blend of strategic thinking, operational expertise and people-focused leadership continues to support the business as it grows and evolves.