The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) is pleased to welcome Rear Admiral John Clink CBE as the new Chair of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN), MENAS’ parent organisation, effective 1 October 2026.
John has served on the IFAN Board since September 2025 and brings extensive maritime, leadership and governance experience to the role. During a 35-year career in the Royal Navy, he served as a navigation specialist and held senior leadership positions. He subsequently served for seven years as Clerk (CEO) of the Merchant Taylors’ Company, where he also gained substantial experience in charity governance and management.
His appointment comes as IFAN and MENAS continue to work together to support safe navigation, strengthen maritime capability and contribute to the long-term resilience of maritime safety systems in the Gulf and internationally.
Rear Admiral John Clink, CBE, said:
“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of IFAN, having had the opportunity to serve on the Board over the past year. Safe navigation has been an important part of my professional life, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and the teams at IFAN and MENAS as we build on the organisation’s important work to promote safety at sea and protect the marine environment.”
John succeeds Guy Mason, who will stand down after almost ten years on the IFAN Board, including a period as Chair.
Guy Mason, outgoing Chair of IFAN, said:
“It has been a real privilege to serve IFAN over the past decade, including as Chair, and to see the organisation continue to evolve and expand its contribution to maritime safety. I am delighted that John will be taking on the role and believe his experience will bring great value to IFAN’s next chapter. I wish him, the Board, Catherine and everyone across IFAN and MENAS every success.”
Catherine Mulvihill, CEO of IFAN, said:
“I am very appreciative of Guy for his dedicated service to IFAN over almost a decade, and also for the guidance and support he has given me as CEO. I am equally pleased that John will now take on the role of Chair. His deep understanding of navigation, together with his considerable leadership and governance experience, will bring valuable perspective to the Board as IFAN continues to develop its international role, connecting the right partners, knowledge and resources to help strengthen maritime safety systems and build lasting capability where it is needed most. I very much look forward to continuing to work with John as we advance that mission.”
MENAS looks forward to working with John as IFAN enters this next chapter and to continuing its work with IFAN to support safer, more resilient maritime systems across the region.
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About the Middle East Navigation Aids Service
The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) is the leading provider of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) services in the Middle East Gulf, supporting safe and efficient maritime operations across the region. With over a century of experience, MENAS designs, delivers, and maintains critical navigation infrastructure, including buoys, lighthouses, racons, Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) sites, alongside essential maritime information services such as Notices to Mariners and navigation warnings. Operating from Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, MENAS supports more than 2,000 vessels each month. As the regional operations arm of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation, MENAS contributes to safer shipping, reduced environmental risk, and the protection of marine ecosystems through high-quality, internationally recognized navigation services.
About the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation
The International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing maritime safety, protecting marine ecosystems, and strengthening global navigation capabilities. IFAN ensures safer and more efficient shipping routes while minimizing environmental risks by supporting projects focused on enhancing Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) frameworks, developing technical expertise, and providing AtoN infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships, funding, and technical expertise, IFAN plays a pivotal role in securing safe, sustainable global waterways and safeguarding the world’s ocean for future generations.