Leanna Lakes, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Regions
Leanna is a Master Mariner with over 25 years’ experience in the maritime industry working both internationally and domestically. She is champion for the industry which she widely promotes as a career choice for all.
Chief Operating Officer and Director of Regions
Leanna is a Master Mariner with over 25 years’ experience in the maritime industry working both internationally and domestically. She initially served at sea with P&O and Princess Cruises for 13 years before moving to Condor Ferries serving on their fleet of high-speed craft and cargo vessels. Since coming ashore, Leanna has undertaken a number of roles including Head of Health and Safety at Condor Ferries.
Prior to joining the RNLI in March 2025, Leanna was Operations Director at Red Funnel where she was responsible for all aspects of operational delivery, including the infrastructure, both ashore and afloat, and the majority of their diverse workforce. She has a strong maritime health, safety and compliance background, and describes herself as a champion for the industry that she widely promotes as a career choice for all.
In a non-executive capacity, Leanna provides strategic guidance as part of the Solent University Business School Advisory Board, the Merchant Navy Training Board, where she is also a member of their strategic committee, and as Chair of the Domestic Ferry Operators Safety Initiative at the UK Chamber of Shipping. She is also an Institute of Directors’ Certified Director and volunteers as a Careers at Sea Ambassador.
Leanna lives in Fife, Scotland with her husband, their two sons, and the family dog.