PLA Strengthens Board with Two New Non-Executive Director Appointments

## PLA Appoints Two Non-Executive Directors to Its Board The Port of London Authority (PLA) has announced the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors, Fabienne Viala and Cordi O'Hara OBE FEI, bolstering the governance structure of the authority responsible for overseeing the tidal Thames. According to Port Technology, Fabienne Viala will join the PLA Board on 1 September, taking over from Toril Eidesvik, whose term concludes on 31 August. Viala's appointment has been made by the Secretary of State for Transport, reflecting the statutory nature of the PLA's governance framework under the Port of London Act. Cordi O'Hara OBE FEI also joins the Board as a Non-Executive Director, further expanding the breadth of expertise available to the authority's leadership team. The appointments come at a significant period for the PLA, which continues to manage one of Europe's busiest waterways and plays a central role in the UK's maritime trade infrastructure. Non-Executive Directors provide independent oversight and strategic guidance, and the PLA's board composition is subject to a blend of ministerial and stakeholder appointments, underscoring the authority's public accountability obligations. The PLA oversees navigation, conservancy, and port operations along approximately 95 miles of the tidal Thames, handling tens of millions of tonnes of cargo annually and supporting a diverse range of commercial, passenger, and leisure river users. The addition of Viala and O'Hara is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the Board as the PLA navigates ongoing priorities including port modernisation, environmental sustainability commitments, and the continued development of Thames trade corridors. *Source: Port Technology*