NorthStandard, one of the world’s leading maritime insurers, has appointed Helen Barden as Head of External Affairs – leading the company’s global external affairs function from its Quayside-based headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne.
With extensive experience in the shipping industry, Barden will drive NorthStandard’s engagement with governments, policymakers and key industry stakeholders at global, national and regional levels. Her focus will be on strengthening relationships and ensuring the perspectives of the organisation’s Members are heard as policy and regulation affecting the maritime industry develops.
Barden assumed the role on 1 August 2026, following Mike Salthouse’s announcement of his retirement from NorthStandard. Having previously served as NorthStandard’s Director of External Affairs, she joined the External Affairs team shortly after its establishment in 2024, bringing more than 11 years’ FD&D experience with the organisation to the role.
A board member of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), appointed in December 2025, Barden brings a strong understanding of the region’s importance to the shipping industry and its contribution to the global maritime community. She is committed to building on these relationships and strengthening the North East’s voice and influence across the international shipping sector to further contribute to high-level dialogue on global maritime policy and strategy.
Ready to work closely with partners across the world as well as the region, Barden commented on her appointment:
“The shipping industry operates in an increasingly complex and geopolitical environment, where trusted and credible partnership with policymakers is essential to the development of well informed regulation. Therefore, in the immediate term, our engagement with key policymakers is a priority to ensure Members’ commercial and operational perspectives are heard before and as policy is developed, particularly in areas such as sanctions and decarbonisation”.
Paul Jennings, Managing Director, NorthStandard, added: “Succession planning is a key operational area for NorthStandard, and Helen’s appointment offers tangible proof of our preparedness and planning for the future in this vital area of expertise.”
Paul also expressed his “sincere thanks to Mike for his lasting contribution to the Club and wish him a fulfilling retirement. We also congratulate Helen and look forward to continuing our commitment as she brings her own impressive talents to this crucial role.”
Barden’s appointment also reinforces NorthStandard’s commitment to its Newcastle base and to the wider North East maritime community.
As a founding member of the Maritime North East Growth Network (MNEGN), alongside the Port of Tyne, the organisation is playing an active role in strengthening regional collaboration, supporting industry growth, and elevating the North East’s position within the global maritime sector.
Throughout the year, the team has been meeting with regional partners through impactful roundtable discussions targeting critical topics such as global trade links, sustainability, skills development, and the future of North East maritime industries. Each session features senior executives and prominent leaders from multiple sectors across the region.
With the company’s global External Affairs function led from Newcastle, Barden will build on the region’s established maritime expertise and strong industry relationships, connecting the North East with policymakers and stakeholders across the international shipping community and helping to amplify the region’s voice on the global stage.
