North Star has strengthened its executive team with appointments across human resources, legal and technology functions. Duncan Palmer has joined as the company’s first Chief Human Resources Officer, while Joanna Lang has been promoted to Chief Legal and Compliance Officer. Kenneth Coughlan has also been appointed Chief Technology Officer, succeeding James Bradford following his retirement.
As Chief Human Resources Officer, Palmer will lead the company’s people strategy to support its offshore wind and maritime operations. He brings 24 years of experience in talent strategy across global industries, including roles at Sodexo, Prosafe and Petrofac. He is a graduate of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
In her role as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Lang will oversee legal and compliance matters across the business. Her responsibilities include shipbuilding contracts, vessel chartering, supply agreements, environmental, social and governance reporting, compliance frameworks and corporate governance, as well as support for strategic projects, financing and international expansion. She has 25 years of legal and commercial experience, including roles at Rovco, Rovop and Subsea7.
As Chief Technology Officer, Coughlan will lead technology and innovation strategy, with a focus on fleet decarbonisation, newbuild programmes and alternative fuels. He has experience in offshore operations and vessel design, and previously served as Global Head of Maritime Technical Projects at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, where he worked on service operation vessel newbuilds and low-carbon initiatives.
