our team

Meet the small but diverse team here at the CFPO

Chris Ranford, CFPO Chief Executive

Chris Ranford is a well-known figure in the South West fishing industry, and became the CFPO CEO in 2021.

Chris’s background means he has a deep understanding of quay-side realities as well as the political complexities of the fisheries involved. As CEO for one of the largest Producer Organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Chris is responsible for the effective leadership and representation of the CFPO in all areas of its operation. He leads on the development and implementation of CFPO policies and strategies at local, national and international level. He has overall responsibility for the efficient management of multi-million-pound quota holdings and days at sea allocations as well as being accountable for strategic management of the CFPO and all public relations.

Andy Wheeler, Assistant to the CFPO Chief Executive

Andy is a BSc (Hons) Fishery Science graduate and has a lifetime of fishing experience as well as his many years of administrative and management experience.

Andy plays a key role in the functioning of the CFPO and often deals with the immediate day-to-day concerns of members.

Andy is a Seafish approved trainer and works on new entrant programmes working to attract new people into the fishing industry. He also leads ‘Net to Plate’ days for schools, higher education establishments and the wider general public, highlighting the diversity, sustainability and importance of the fishing industry.

Emily theobald, science and policy lead

Emily has been working with the fishing industry for the last 5 years, and previously taught marine biology and ecology before moving to work full time in fisheries. Born in Cornwall, and growing up surfing, swimming and fishing, this led her to want to work with the marine environment. She has worked oversees in South Africa, the Maldives and more recently with the West Africa Task Force in Ghana, on fisheries management, control and enforcement. She has worked extensively with the South West fishing industry for the last 5 years on the quayside, in national forums and led on the development of the Blue Fin Tuna handline fishery.

Emily heads up the science and policy side of the organisation and the newly launched Cornwall Fisheries Science Board. She works closely with the Board and CFPO members to coordinate a range of scientific projects that are collaborative and industry-led.

ELLIE MATTHEW, COMMUNICATIONS & DATA OFFICER

Ellie has recently joined the team after completing her MSc in Marine Environmental Management, and her role is a diverse but essential one.

As the first point of contact in the PO office, Ellie is responsible for all administration. Her responsibilities also include catch and landings data entry and analysis, vitally important in quota management and catch monitoring. Ellie is delving deeper into this, and analysing the data in order to help us stay up to date, and better inform decision-makers.

The other aspect of Ellie’s role is Communications. She is responsible for all communications to Members, the Secretary of State, and everyone in between.

Matilda Phillips, Young Fishermen Network Coordinator

Matilda is born and bred into the fishing industry and plays a vital role within the strong fishing community of her village, Cadgwith. Having spent hours fishing with her dad and brothers on their 25ft crabber Scorpio and various punts she is well aware of the ways of the sea.

With many family members and friends who are full time fishermen, Matilda has a lot of background support when showcasing the Young Fishermen Network.

Matilda is well invested in researching the solutions to the barriers for youngsters entering and progressing within the fishing industry. Before her role here at the CFPO, Matilda completed a Level 3 Diploma in Marine Biology & Ecology