Liverpool’s cruise manager has fought off global competition to scoop one of the top industry accolades.
Angie Redhead has been named the Women’s International Shipping & Trade Association (WISTA) Personality of the Year- an international award in which she faced competitors from 32 other countries.
WISTA is an international organisation for women in management positions involved in the maritime transportation business and related trades worldwide. It is a major player in attracting more women to the industry and in supporting women in management positions.
Angie won the UK stage back in June and automatically progressed to the global ceremony.
She took the overall title after submitting a document which detailed her background, achievements and knowledge of the maritime industry. Angie will be presented with a specially commissioned crystal award in a London reception in the forthcoming weeks.
Angie said: “I’m extremely honoured, humbled and flattered to be named winner. It means a huge amount to me, not only because it’s voted for by people from within the maritime and trade sector, but because I’m delighted to bring the award home to Liverpool.
“The maritime sector in Liverpool can be challenging and demanding but I can honestly say, hand on heart, I never once felt I was entering into a man’s world. I have never felt for one moment that exceptions or accommodations were being made for me as a woman – if your word is your bond and you work hard to deliver and exceed expectation, then this is the only criteria for working in the maritime industry in Liverpool.
“Through huge public support and partnership working within our maritime ‘village’ we have collectively made Liverpool Cruise Terminal the huge success it is today.
“There are exciting times ahead for the port sector in Liverpool and I hope that winning this award will raise the profile of genuine opportunities for young people and women in this demanding but very exciting work environment. If I can inspire young people, in particular young women, to understand that determination, personal drive and spirit can so often be as important as formal qualifications then that would be wonderful.
“I consider myself extremely lucky to do a job I genuinely love and for it to be acknowledged in this way.”
Maria Dixon, President, WISTA-UK, said: ‘”We are all so happy that the International Award has returned to the UK after a 14 year absence.
“Angie has displayed all of the attributes one looks for in a winner, including excellent knowledge of the shipping industry, projecting a sense of belonging to the industry, being open-minded, dynamic, contributing to improving the image of the industry, and showing significant achievement through hard work, passion and commitment.
“She is a great communicator and will make an excellent ambassador for the principles of WISTA internationally.”
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “Angie is a well-deserved winner and I’m delighted she has taken this international title.
“This global recognition once again puts Liverpool and its cruise industry on the map and it’s a feather in the city’s cap that we have the International Personality of the Year in our midsts!
“She is a hugely popular figure in the maritime industry and thanks to her work, and that of her team, they have helped make Liverpool a must-visit cruise destination.
“Next year is a huge year for the waterfront with Cunard’s 175th anniversary and the Cruise Liner Terminal will play a central role in these celebrations. I’m sure Angie and the rest of the team will out-do themselves once again as the eyes of the world are on Liverpool for a series of very special events.”