Marine Current Turbines Ltd, one of the world’s leading tidal stream energy companies, has appointed Dr Andrew Tyler as its new Chief Executive Officer.

With over 20 years of leading and managing marine science, engineering and technology businesses, Andrew Tyler has significant experience in R&D, commercialisation of technology, and international business development within the offshore oil and gas, commercial maritime, environmental and defence markets.

Dr Tyler joins Marine Current Turbines (MCT) from the UK Ministry of Defence where he was Chief Operating Officer at the ministry’s Defence Equipment & Support organisation, responsible for the procurement and support of all the equipment used by the British Armed Forces.  In this role, he has been widely credited with transforming equipment support to Afghanistan, and in achieving major performance improvements in delivery of complex engineering projects.

Previously Dr Tyler held a number of senior executive roles in BMT Ltd., Europe’s largest independent maritime engineering, science and technology consulting and technical services company. He was the founding Managing Director of BMT’s marine information systems business, Managing Director of their maritime defence company, and prior to leaving in 2006, Operations Director on the Group Main Board.

Commenting on the appointment, MCT’s Chairman Paul Lester said; “Andrew brings a unique blend of deep commercial experience, public sector track record, and marine sector knowledge to MCT, and commands great respect across the industry for his leadership and management of engineering and technology businesses. With MCT’s focus on moving to full scale commercialisation, Andrew’s appointment coupled with the strengthening financial commitment from MCT’s shareholders provides the springboard for the company’s future success and establishing tidal current energy as a major renewable energy source in the UK and overseas.”

Andrew Tyler said; “It is a huge privilege for me to join this world-leading business at such an exciting time. With my marine technology and engineering background, experience of commercialisation and market development, complex project management experience, and long-standing interest in the marine environment I feel well equipped to work with MCT’s highly talented team to take the business to full commercial operation in the next few years.”

Andrew Tyler joins Marine Current Turbines on July 1^st 2011.