SMD strengthens leadership team

Newcastle-based subsea technology and engineering company SMD has strengthened its senior team with two appointments and an internal promotion.

Ryan Lumsden has joined as product line manager for remotely operated vehicles, while Paul Green has been appointed head of continuous improvement.

Hui Yan has also been promoted to innovation technical manager after more than a decade with the business.

Ryan brings around 30 years of subsea industry experience and will help shape the development of SMD’s remotely operated vehicle portfolio.

He said: “I’ve known of SMD since I first joined the industry and have watched the business’ evolution over that time. 

“What stood out most was the direction the company is heading, the people driving it, and the willingness to challenge conventional approaches in pursuit of next-generation technologies.

“I’m particularly inspired by SMD's approach to innovation. 

“There is a genuine willingness to collaborate with customers and explore new ways of working. 

“Coupled with the company’s investment in its people and facilities, it makes now an exciting time to join the business.”

The appointments come as SMD continues to invest in its North East capabilities, including its £3 million SMD Tech Works facility on the River Tyne, which opened in 2025 to support the development and manufacture of next-generation subsea technologies.

SMD has recruited 28 permanent and fixed-term employees since January, taking its total workforce to 314.

Mike Jones, chairman at SMD, added: “We have seen around a ten per cent increase in our workforce in the past year, which reflects both the strength of the business and our confidence in the future of the industry.

“As a proud North East organisation with a global customer base, we remain committed to investing in regional talent, creating highly skilled jobs and supporting the future growth of the UK's subsea engineering sector.

“These senior appointments strengthen our capabilities across product development, innovation and operational excellence. 

“Together, they will play an important role as we continue to pursue electrification, support future product launches, and meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

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