JDR appoints former UK Trade Commissioner Jonathan Knott CMG as Deputy CEO

JDR Cable Systems (JDR), the global subsea cable supplier and service provider, part of the TFKable Group, has appointed former UK Trade Commissioner Jonathan Knott CMG as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion and long-term growth strategy. The role has been newly created to support JDR’s accelerated international expansion and operational scaling, building on its established capabilities to meet increasing demand for subsea cable and energy infrastructure solutions across offshore markets.

“My focus is on building on what is already strong, ensuring we have the capabilities in place to meet growing global energy demand, while continually improving efficiency and sustainability. Bringing the Blyth facility into live operations marks a major milestone for JDR and the start of a transformational period. Alongside strengthening our international delivery capability, I look forward to seeing the facility flourish as a cornerstone of our future growth and UK manufacturing capability.”

His appointment comes as JDR advances its £130 million high-voltage subsea cable manufacturing facility in Cambois, near Blyth. The investment is supported under the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support Scheme and forms part of JDR’s broader strategy to expand high-voltage capability and strengthen the offshore energy supply chain in the UK and internationally. Located on the site of a former coal-fired power station, the development represents a major regeneration project, reinforcing the region’s transition towards clean energy manufacturing and supporting long-term growth in the offshore wind sector.

Monika Cupiał- Zgryzek, Chief Executive Officer of JDR, said: “Jonathan joins us at an exciting and important moment for JDR. We are expanding our high-voltage portfolio, investing in UK manufacturing and strengthening our global presence. His international experience and strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to evolve and scale. We’re focused on delivering reliable, high-quality solutions while continually striving to optimise how we operate and support our customers. As part of the TFKable Group, we are uniquely positioned to combine global manufacturing expertise with strong local delivery capability across key offshore markets.”