Freeport East is strengthening its leadership team with two senior appointments to support its next phase of delivery in the East of England.
Following a third year of operation marked by a range of exciting new developments and growing investor interest, the appointments reinforce Freeport East’s focus on international collaboration, long-term economic impact and building strategic relationships that benefit the East of England region.
Alex Courage has been appointed as Head of International Partnerships, bringing extensive experience in international trade and investment from the Department for Business and Trade. With a background covering trade policy, economic security and engagement across the Indo-Pacific region and Europe, Alex has also held overseas government postings in Turkey and Mexico.
In her new role at Freeport East, Alex will lead the strategy to strengthen international market engagement, ensuring they deliver maximum opportunities to support local growth and position Freeport East as a crucial destination for international businesses looking to access markets in the UK and beyond.
Alex Courage, Head of International Partnerships at Freeport East, said: “I’m really excited to be joining Freeport East as Head of International Partnerships, especially when there is such momentum behind the Freeport programme. I’m looking forward to drawing on my experience working in international trade to build new connections and identify growth opportunities for Freeport East overseas.”
Tom Nickalls joins Freeport East as Head of Strategic Partnerships, bringing more than a decade of experience across diplomacy, international trade and economic development. Previously acting as Deputy Consul General to New England, Tom played a key role in strengthening political and economic ties between the UK and US, one of the UK’s most vital trading relationships.
His career has also included senior roles at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the British Embassy in Paris and the Home Office, as well as international development work delivering complex economic programmes across Central and South Asia.
At Freeport East, Tom will focus on building high-value partnerships across government, investors and industry to support delivery, innovation and long-term growth for the region.
Tom Nickalls, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Freeport East adds, “It’s great to join Freeport East at a time when UK Freeports are evolving as a real draw for investors. I’m really looking forward to working with the team to develop the Freeport as a compelling value proposition for investors and other partners nationally and internationally.”
Both Alex and Tom will work in support of Chief Executive Steve Beel, who welcomed their arrival in the team:
“I’m extremely excited to have Alex and Tom join us at Freeport East. They both bring a wealth of exceptional experiences that will help us go further in how we support the local and national economy deliver the growth in investment, productivity and international trade that we all want to see and know is possible.”
With a strengthened and focused leadership team in place, Freeport East is well-positioned to continue building on recent progress, accelerate delivery across partnerships and sites, and maximise the benefits of freeport status for businesses and communities in East Anglia.
