John Wrottesley, a British diplomat of the subsea cable industry, has landed the top job at the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), succeeding Ryan Wopschall after six years at the helm. This appointment is significant not only for its global implications but also for its UK impact, as ICPC plays a crucial role in safeguarding Britain's vital communication infrastructure.
Wrottesley's ascension to General Manager follows an impressive career trajectory within the ICPC, having started as Project Manager in September 2021. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing sponsored projects, conducting research studies, and updating ICPC Recommendations in a timely manner. He later moved into the Operations Manager position in November 2024, allowing him to gain an in-depth understanding of the organisation's inner workings and ensuring a seamless transition into his new leadership role.
Wrottesley's expertise extends beyond his ICPC tenure; he is also the Executive Director for the European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA), which has seen him engaging with UK government officials, as well as other European stakeholders, on matters related to subsea cable infrastructure. His background spans marine planning and permitting for telecommunications, energy, and oil and gas sectors, underscoring his extensive knowledge of the marine environment.
Dean Veverka, Chair of the ICPC, praised Wrottesley's appointment, highlighting his exceptional organisational skills, profound understanding of the subsea cable industry, and well-established relationships with governmental bodies and other institutions. Veverka expressed confidence in Wrottesley's leadership and also thanked outgoing General Manager Ryan Wopschall for his dedication to ICPC's objectives.
The ICPC is a non-commercial, non-profit international body comprising 260 member organisations from 70 countries. Its members are integral to the construction, operation, and maintenance of submarine telecommunications and power cable infrastructure. With its far-reaching influence, representing over 98% of the world's submarine telecommunications cable infrastructure and an increasing number of international submarine power cables, ICPC plays a pivotal role in safeguarding global communication networks.
In his new capacity, Wrottesley will be supported by the ICPC Secretariat team and collaborate closely with its Executive Committee, International Cable Law Adviser Kent Bressie, and Marine Scientific Adviser Dr Michael Clare. The organisation anticipates announcing a new Operations Manager in the coming months.