From never having sailed on a tall ship to leading one of the region’s best-known maritime heritage charities, Siobhan Sargeant has been recognised for her passion, leadership and commitment to community impact.
CEO Monthly Magazine has named Siobhan Sargeant of Blyth Tall Ship as North East England’s Most Influential CEO 2026 in the field of Community Impact Leadership, a prestigious accolade recognising her passion for people and her work creating opportunities that make a meaningful difference to communities.
Siobhan has been at the helm of Blyth Tall Ship since December 2024, bringing more than two decades of experience in the charity sector to the organisation as it enters an ambitious new phase of growth.
But there is an unusual twist to her story.
When Siobhan took on the role, she had never sailed on a tall ship or even a wooden boat.
Twenty years ago, she could hardly have imagined that her career would eventually lead her to the deck of a 112-year-old tall ship in Blyth.
Her professional journey has instead been firmly rooted in people and communities, with senior roles across hospices, healthcare and national charities. During more than 20 years in the sector, she has developed major fundraising campaigns, commercial partnerships and new services, while helping organisations navigate periods of growth and change.
It was this experience, rather than any maritime background that eventually brought her to Blyth Tall Ship.
“Joining Blyth Tall Ship almost two years ago felt, in many ways, like an unexpected chapter,” said Siobhan.
“Whilst I had extensive experience within the charity sector, heritage was entirely new territory for me.
“What I discovered very quickly was that our work isn’t simply about preserving a ship or safeguarding archives; it’s about people. It’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, improving wellbeing, and ensuring that our heritage remains accessible and relevant for future generations.”
Since joining the charity, Siobhan has been focused on building on Blyth Tall Ship’s existing legacy while developing a sustainable future for the organisation.
The charity has diversified its income streams and developed new opportunities to strengthen its resilience, while continuing to deliver programmes designed to have a positive impact on the local community.
That combination of heritage, community and social impact has become central to Siobhan’s leadership.
Her recognition as North East England’s Most Influential CEO 2026 – Community Impact Leadership celebrates not simply her role as chief executive, but the approach she has brought to it – putting people at the heart of the organisation and using the charity’s maritime heritage as a platform for creating opportunities and changing lives.
Siobhan said she felt “incredibly privileged” that her career had brought her to Blyth Tall Ship at such an exciting point in its journey.
“We have ambitious plans for the future, and I’m continually inspired by the passion of our staff, volunteers, trustees, and supporters, who make our work possible,” she said.
“Twenty years ago, I couldn’t have predicted that I’d be standing on the deck of a 112-year-old Tall Ship talking about heritage and social impact.
“Looking back, however, I can see that every step of my journey has brought me here. Perhaps it wasn’t the plan after all, but it was exactly where I was meant to be.”
The award comes at an exciting time for Blyth Tall Ship, which has also been recognised as North East England’s Leading Maritime Heritage Charity 2026.
For Siobhan, however, the latest accolade is as much about the people around her as it is about her own achievements.
She added: “I’ve always believed that the most rewarding part of this work is seeing an idea develop into something that creates tangible impact for communities.
“That is what motivates me – building things, bringing people together and creating opportunities that can make a genuine difference.”
ENDS
Photo: Siobhan (The Bigger Picture Agency)
PR keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951