Ruth Wood, CEO of Mersey Maritime, has been awarded ‘Change Maker of the Year’ at the prestigious Women in Business Awards 2025. Hosted by Downtown in Business, the annual event took place on Friday, 7th March, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025. The event celebrates the achievements of female-led businesses, entrepreneurs, and influential women shaping the Liverpool City Region economy.
Since stepping into the role of CEO in July 2023, Ruth has been a driving force in uniting the regional maritime sector for the greater good, ensuring that collaboration and innovation remain at the heart of Mersey Maritime’s work. She has prioritised the strengthening of relationships across the industry, working closely with businesses, policymakers, and partners to enhance the sector’s influence and opportunities.
In September 2023, Ruth was appointed to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCR CA) Business and Enterprise Board, where she works alongside the LCR CA and fellow board members to help shape the region’s strategic economic direction. With maritime contributing at least £5.6 billion to the local economy and supporting nearly 50,000 jobs, her inclusion has been instrumental in ensuring the sector’s voice is heard and valued at the highest levels of decision-making.
Further strengthening Mersey Maritime’s role on the global stage, Ruth joined Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram on a high-profile trade mission to the US in October 2024. The visit aimed to emphasise the shared maritime history between the Liverpool City Region and the US, whilst expanding cultural and economic ties. The US remains the city region’s largest export market, its highest source of overseas investment, and the second most valuable visitor market, making this mission a crucial step in fostering future partnerships and opportunities.
Ruth’s leadership in driving innovation has also been recognised through her appointment to the Liverpool City Region Innovation Board. Established in 2014, the board was the first dedicated sub-regional body of its kind in the UK. It provides strategic leadership for the region’s innovation agenda, focusing on translating knowledge and ideas into action, raising productivity, maximising investment, enhancing skills, attracting and retaining talent, and accelerating growth and international competitiveness across all sectors of the LCR economy.
Speaking about the award, Ruth said: “I am truly honoured to be recognised as ‘Change Maker of the Year.’ This award is a testament to the incredible work of Mersey Maritime and the strength of our industry. Collaboration is at the core of what we do, and I am proud to be part of a sector that continues to innovate, grow, and drive economic success for our region.
“I want to thank everyone who voted – it means so much to have your support. I look forward to continuing to champion our industry, drive positive change, and work together to build an even stronger maritime future in the years ahead.”
Phil Waterhouse, Chairman of Mersey Maritime commented: “On behalf of the Mersey Maritime Board, I want to extend our congratulations to Ruth on this fantastic achievement. Since becoming CEO, she has been a driving force for collaboration across our sector. Her leadership has strengthened our industry’s voice and influence at every level, and this award is a testament to her dedication and impact.”
Mersey Maritime congratulates Ruth on this well-deserved recognition and remains committed to championing the maritime sector’s contribution to the Liverpool City Region and beyond.
