
Richard Hembrow
Rich is dedicated to understanding and delivering Ministry of Defence (MoD) requirements to enhance the security and resilience of critical seabed operations. With 23 years of service as a UK civil servant, he brings extensive operational expertise and leadership to the defence environment.
Early in his career, Rich created and maintained navigational charts and served as an imagery analyst, deploying to Antarctica aboard HMS Endurance to support bathymetric surveys and aerial survey campaigns. Over half of his career has been focused on submarine operations and frontline unit support, where he has successfully established, planned, and executed geospatial intelligence delivery to enable military missions.
Rich has served as the UKHO’s operational focal point, managing complex, defence-specific requests for information. This has necessitated coordination and synchronization efforts across divisions, acting as a key maritime interpreter and mediator between external operational demands and internal delivery capabilities to ensure military effectiveness.
More recently, Rich has served in international partnering and engagement - a high-impact role requiring diplomatic communication and influence across cultural and linguistic barriers. Operating independently from his Washington DC regional relationship manager, he cultivated and expanded marine data supply networks through bilateral and multilateral engagement across the Americas, from the Arctic to Antarctica. He worked closely with foreign coastal states, UK overseas territories, Whitehall departments, specialist agencies, and the International Hydrographic Organization to advance global marine geospatial objectives. His efforts have provided direct operational support to 2* Admirals to support and strengthened international strategic alliances.
The extend of Rich’s contributions has been recognized by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology (IMarEST), where he holds the prestigious titles of Chartered Marine Technologist (CMarTech) and Fellow (FIMarEST). These accolades acknowledge his proven ability to solve complex geospatial challenges in high-pressure defence environments.
Recently advanced to his current role under UK Strategic Command, Rich now leads efforts to manage data and services related to Tactical Exploitation of the Environment and Underwater Warfare, with a focus on Seabed Warfare operations.
Outside of work, he dedicates time to volunteering with a Scout Group and is an avid cyclist, having completed notable challenges such as an unsupported Lands End to John O’Groats and UK coast-to-coast rides.