JDR Cable Systems (JDR), the global subsea cable supplier and service provider and part of the TFKable Group, has appointed former UK Trade Commissioner Jonathan Knott CMG as Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The newly created role marks a significant step in the company’s continued expansion and long-term growth strategy.

The position has been established to support JDR’s accelerated international expansion and operational scaling, building on its established capabilities to meet rising demand for subsea cable and energy infrastructure solutions across offshore markets.

Knott brings extensive senior leadership experience across international trade and diplomacy. He previously served as HM Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, British Ambassador to Poland and Hungary, and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in South Korea. In these roles, he led large, multi-disciplinary teams and strengthened trade relationships while supporting business expansion across complex global markets — experience that will underpin JDR’s next phase of international growth. His appointment reflects the company’s continued focus on international market development and global partnership building.

Jonathan Knott CMG, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of JDR, said:

“JDR is a company with deep industrial roots and a strong record of delivery, with exceptional prospects for the future. I was particularly drawn to its world-leading products and commitment to safety and quality, as well as the way it invests in its people and local communities. Being part of the TFKable Group since 2017 has further strengthened JDR’s technical capability and global reach, combining subsea and land cable expertise to support complex offshore energy projects worldwide.

“My focus is on building on what is already strong, ensuring we have the capabilities in place to meet growing global energy demand, while continually improving efficiency and sustainability. Bringing the Blyth facility into live operations marks a major milestone for JDR and the start of a transformational period. Alongside strengthening our international delivery capability, I look forward to seeing the facility flourish as a cornerstone of our future growth and UK manufacturing capability.”

His appointment comes as JDR advances its £130 million high-voltage subsea cable manufacturing facility in Cambois, near Blyth. The investment is supported under the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support Scheme and forms part of JDR’s broader strategy to expand high-voltage capability and strengthen the offshore energy supply chain in the UK and internationally.

Located on the site of a former coal-fired power station, the development represents a major regeneration project, reinforcing the region’s transition towards clean energy manufacturing and supporting long-term growth in the offshore wind sector.

Monika Cupiał-Zgryzek, Chief Executive Officer of JDR, said:

“Jonathan joins us at an exciting and important moment for JDR. We are expanding our high-voltage portfolio, investing in UK manufacturing and strengthening our global presence. His international experience and strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to evolve and scale. We’re focused on delivering reliable, high-quality solutions while continually striving to optimise how we operate and support our customers. As part of the TFKable Group, we are uniquely positioned to combine global manufacturing expertise with strong local delivery capability across key offshore markets.”