Newcastle upon Tyne – NorthStandard, one of the world’s leading maritime insurers, has announced the appointment of Helen Barden, Director of External Affairs based in its Newcastle headquarters, to the board of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA UK). The appointment reflects the growing importance of the region as a centre for maritime expertise, innovation and leadership.
Promoting diversity in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors, WISTA is an international networking organisation that empowers women to lead through their unique perspective and competencies, with the conviction that gender diversity is key in providing a sustainable future for the shipping industry.
Helen’s appointment was confirmed at the WISTA UK Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 12 December 2025. She joins the WISTA UK board, alongside fellow new board member Louise Sara of Carnival Corporation. Together, they join nine longstanding board members, strengthening the organisation’s leadership with fresh regional and industry perspectives.
Barden earned her law degree from Leicester University and the Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University (Newcastle) prior to being admitted as a Solicitor of England and Wales. She began her career at a global corporate law firm in their Newcastle office before transitioning into the shipping industry. She joined the sector as a lawyer in NorthStandard’s FD&D team and has since spent the past 13 years building deep industry expertise, progressing through the ranks at NorthStandard to her current role as Director of External Affairs. In this position, she works closely with UK and international governments, as well as industry bodies, to review existing policies and regulation and help shape new legislation in support of a more sustainable global shipping industry.
Following her WISTA appointment, Helen will focus on expanding the organisation’s message and membership in the North of England, as well as supporting WISTA’s work in Scotland and London. Through close collaboration with regional shipping businesses, including NorthStandard, WISTA UK has expanded its presence in the North East over the past 15 months, delivering a greater number of regional events. Helen together with NorthStandard now looks forward to building on this momentum and further strengthening its support for regional activity in 2026.
Helen Barden said:
“The longstanding WISTA UK Board members have done an incredible job building the organisation into the success it is today. I am thrilled to join alongside fellow new board member Louise Sara and look forward to helping WISTA UK grow even stronger and more engaged across the UK, ensuring greater diversity and inclusion for women at all levels in shipping, trade, and logistics.
Improving gender diversity in the maritime industry is a passion of mine. When I joined WISTA UK I immediately discovered a vibrant, welcoming network of professionals dedicated to advancing women in our sector. This community has been invaluable, opening doors to key industry and policy stakeholders worldwide that I might not have met otherwise. WISTA’s commitment to action shines through initiatives like the WISTA-IMO Women in Maritime Survey, which delivers critical insights to drive real change.”
NorthStandard has been supporting WISTA for many years, including building an increased presence of WISTA in the North East from 2024. The company has sponsored key initiatives and events such as the 50th Anniversary of WISTA in London last year, as well as providing its offices as a venue for WISTA’s industry events in the region. NorthStandard actively encourages women in its business to join, with several members across other NorthStandard offices worldwide.
NorthStandard, being headquartered in the North East and which is committed to fostering greater diversity and inclusion for women, is delighted to support Helen’s appointment to the WISTA UK Board.
