This brainstorm session is a call for industry leadership to strategically address the disconnect between current crew recruitment practices and the operational realities onboard. The goal is to identify the recruitment challenges and establish a higher bar for talent acquisition and retention.
Attendees will collaborate with key visionaries and expert insights from Raising the Bar Think Tank include Viking Crew, Bluewater Yachting,  Crewdentials, Arrow Monaco, Crew Unlimited, and Hill Robinson to diagnose inconsistent processes across the ecosystem—from recruitment agents to yacht HR. We will define clear responsibilities for accurate job descriptions, effective onboarding, and probationary periods, focusing on the future of HR management and crew welfare.
The tangible outcome of this strategic session will be NXT-level solutions and actionable feedback that the working group will drive forward throughout the year, ensuring long-term success for the industry’s most vital asset: its people.

Kamille  Kres, Paul Rutterford , Sharon  Rose, Mandy  Lee-Elliott , Kayleigh Liddell, Ellen Armsden, Joey Meen, Ishika WALIA

Superyacht Brainstorm: NXT Level Recruitment: Aligning Talent Acquisition with Onboard Reality

The management of crew and their welfare have been a growing topic of discussion over recent years. Whilst much can be achieved during their time onboard, effective management of crew begins before they take their first step on the gangway. This session explores HR processes and their implementation within the yachting industry, including the information we should share with crew before they board, handbooks and SEA's, and the effective use of management, to create informed and prepared crews.

Managing crew: It starts at onboarding

For the past 4 years, Ishika has specialized in managing yacht crew & day-to-day yacht operations. Her expertise lies in recruitment, training, & team leadership, creating an environment where both crew and guests thrive.

Yacht and Crew Manager

Managing Director and head of Sales of Team Italia Marine, more than 20 years of experience in the maritime and technology sector. Focused on fostering innovation and future-forward technology.

Managing Director

Naval Architect

Head of Consulting Services

Ken Hickling has worked within the Yachting industry since graduating from Solent University in 1990 where he studied Boatbuilding and Boatyard Management. During that time, he worked with Composites specialist Gurit (UK) Ltd (formerly SP Systems) before spending 21 years with the leading global paint company AzoNobel. His positions there included VP Marketing for Interlux in the USA and Global Manager for Awlgrip – both specialist Yacht paint companies. Mr Hickling currently serves as a non-executive director on the board of the Viking Maritime Group . In addition to running his own Business Advisory company, he currently has the role of Managing Director for three specialist consulting companies: Newmar Overseas Consulting Ltd, Optimar Consulting Ltd and John Robinson Associates Survey Specialists Ltd. Ken holds a position of Emeritus board member with global superyacht industry association ISS, having served as President, and is currently vice chair of Superyacht UK, which is part of the UK leisure marine trade body British Marine. Hs is also the BSI (British Standards Institution) representative on ISO TC8/SC12/WG5 the technical standards working group addressing Quality on Superyachts. Ken also serves as one of the Trustees of the Superyacht Charities Foundation which raises funds from within the Superyacht industry on behalf of many small charities operating across Europe.

Director

Senior Director, Global Head of Luxury

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-pollicardo-401ba812">www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-pollicardo-401ba812</a>

Technical & Environmental Director

Sales Director

Gunter Pauli is a Belgian entrepreneur, economist, and author, internationally recognized for his visionary work in sustainable innovation. He founded the Blue Economy concept and the ZERI network, launching hundreds of projects that promote ecological and socially inclusive solutions. Pauli is also the driving force behind the Porrima project, a zero-emission vessel that integrates solar, wind, and hydrogen technologies. Originally launched as PlanetSolar, the ship became the first to circumnavigate the globe on solar power and now serves as a floating lab for clean maritime innovation.

Co-Founder

I am Danish born and started my yachting career straight from culinary college in 1983. I worked full time and freelance in the industry as a chef, on and off, until 2016. 
5 years ago I joined the Yachting Gives Back team in Palma and I have not looked back since. I first worked as a volunteer sorting donations from the yachts and the wider community and 2 years ago our vice president resigned and I was then made the new acting vice president. 
I am semi retired and thrilled and grateful to be part of such a great team as that of Yachting Gives back. Giving back to the community after so many great years in yachting feelis like coming full circle.

Vice president

Chairman

After my mechanical engineering studies, I worked for leading shipyards, suppliers, and management companies in the 40m+ superyacht industry. My passion for sustainability, my knowledge of the superyacht world from both the business and client side, and my drive to connect people led me to create the xullux platforms. These platforms connect businesses and clients with sustainable solutions.

Founder and CEO

Victoria is a director in Private Office team at JTC Group.  She has worked with UHNW and family offices for two decades whilst based in the Uk, Jersey and Luxembourg.  
Known as a true ‘facilitator’ due to her ability get things done and find a solution even in the most challenging of circumstances. Victoria’s network is diverse and her ability to see the potential in what can often at first seem the ‘intangible’ makes her a true visionary. Clients see her as a trusted ‘go to’ for guidance on all kinds of matters. 
Victoria is responsible for the Private Office’s Next Generation Education program, a holistic service that helps families build strong bridges for solid succession.  The approach focuses on four sectors; two functional elements being business and financial management interposed with the symbiotic sectors of wellbeing and crisis management.   She is also an expert in the Luxury Assets sector, with a particular focus on the Marine and Aviation space. She often manages large projects such as the coordination of acquisitions and disposals of these assets as well as helping clients understand the many facets and intricacies involved in managing them longer term.

Former CEO

Global Head

Swiss-born Daniel Küpfer began his seafaring career in 1989 on classic tall ships before serving on cargo, passenger and private vessels. After studying nautical science at the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen, he earned his Master Mariner license in 1999. That same year, he returned to private yachting as captain of a 52m yacht and later managed family-owned vessels. He went on to establish the yacht management division of a leading brokerage firm, overseeing projects up to 160 metres and implementing ISM, ISPS, and MLC compliance systems. In 2011, he launched its crew management division. As Managing Director and Board Member, he introduced QMS, GDPR and AML/KYC standards and led OECD-compliant audits. From 2020 to 2023, Daniel chaired the MYBA Yacht Management Committee and continues to serve as a consultant to the association. In 2024, he founded the yacht management and consulting firm YANOVA.

Founder

Charter Motor-yacht Lammouche

Hein Velema is partner at Marstrat, maritime strategic consultants, and general secretary of the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards. Hein Velema has a master’s degree in economics and was a strategy consultant for a decade before starting in the superyacht industry as director Feadship. Later Hein moved to Monaco to become CEO of Fraser Yachts. During his career Hein was active in associations as board member at Hiswa, SYBAss, LYBRA, IYBA and the Superyacht Alliance.

Executive Director

Product Manager

Senior Policy Advisor

Chief Engineer

With 17 years of experience in recruitment at Bluewater, Sharon Rose has built a career defined by passion and purpose. She takes great pride in helping crew find their place within the yachting industry, believing that every placement has the power to change lives and open doors to extraordinary opportunities.
Honoured to work alongside a skilled and dedicated team at Bluewater, Sharon also serves as the ISS Antibes Ambassador and is an active member of the Recruitment Think Tank for Raising the Bar, where she continues to help drive the industry forward.
Deeply committed to educating and preparing new crew, Sharon focuses not just on helping them secure their first role, but on equipping them to build successful, lasting careers and truly thrive in yachting.
For Sharon, recruitment isn’t about filling positions it’s about helping people find where they truly belong.

Recruitment Director

Degreed in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Genoa, I am currently Chief R&D Officer at Sanlorenzo, one of the world's leading manufacturers of Superyachts. Sanlorenzo R&D department works as a key support team to all the BU of the Group (Sanlorenzo, Bluegame and Nautor Swan). My expertise spans over 25 years in the marine industry, including significant experience at Azimut-Benetti where I managed both R&D team and shipyard operations. My maritime connection began as an Italian Navy Reserve Officer aboard the prestigious Amerigo Vespucci training ship. Prior to joining Sanlorenzo, as Managing Director at Cressall Resistors, I demonstrated my skills to drive innovation and business growth, doubling company turnover and now  bringing deep technical knowledge and strategic leadership to the luxury yacht sector, with particular focus on innovative technologies and sustainable development.

Chief R&D Officer

Captain

Nicola Pomi joined Volvo Penta in 2006, initially overseeing the Italian and Spanish markets. His expertise and commitment to innovation led to his promotion to Vice President in 2018, where he played a crucial role in driving the growth of Volvo Penta’s marine business. In addition to his career at Volvo Penta, Nicola spent a year as General Manager at Azimut Benetti Yacht, gaining valuable insights into yacht design and customer needs from one of the world’s leading yacht builders. Now serving as Vice President of the Yacht Division at Volvo Penta, Nicola leads the development and implementation of advanced marine propulsion solutions, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Passionate about the sea and committed to preserving its environment, Nicola is dedicated to promoting technologies that reduce emissions and enhance the boating experience, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for the marine industry.

Vice President Yacht & Superyacht Division

Initiator and vice-president presso Water Revolution Foundation

Vincent Escallier is the COO of MB92 La Ciotat. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics and has over 27 years of experience in refit shipyards, including 8 years with MB92. In his role as COO, he oversees operations at MB92 La Ciotat and contributes to the business development of the MB92 Group. He is a member of the MB92 Group Management Committee and serves on the board of the ECPY association.

I am a Chemical Engineer with over 15 years of experience in the marine coatings industry. As Hull Formulation Manager at Boero Bartolomeo S.p.A., I am responsible for the research and the development of antifouling paints and primers for the yachting sector, with a strong focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and product performance.
I attended several international R&D projects and conferences, combining hands-on laboratory expertise with a deep understanding of coating technologies and industrial processes. In Boero I am known for my practical approach, cross-functional collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Hull Formulation Manager

Technical Authority

With 20 years of crewing experience, many of them as a Purser and Interior Manager, I know the frustration of dated systems and the personal burden of feeling you don't have the right resources to meet increasingly high standards.
Now, as part of the team at Superyacht Operating Systems and heading up our SOP platform and Charter Guest app, I help create the tools I wish I'd had. Our mission is to eliminate unnecessary work, provide instant expert knowledge, and, most importantly, remove the burden of inadequacy—freeing today's crew to deliver unforgettable experiences with confidence.

Charter Guest  App Operations

Mandy Lee-Elliott Director of Recruitment – Crew Unlimited, Antibes
Originally from Cape Town, Mandy began her yachting career in 2002. After many successful and well-travelled years working aboard both charter and private yachts, she transitioned into crew placement with Crew Unlimited in 2010.
In 2021, Mandy opened Crew Unlimited’s Antibes office as Director of Recruitment, continuing her passion for connecting exceptional crew with outstanding programmes. For Mandy, crew placement is not about filling a vacancy — it’s finding the right match that complements each vessel’s unique culture and operational needs.
In 2014 Crew Unlimited launched the “New to Yachting Workshop” an initiative that prepares aspiring crew for their careers at sea. Mandy remains a dedicated contributor to this programme, instilling both confidence and professionalism.
An active member of the “Raising the Bar” committee, Mandy is dedicated to driving the yachting industry forward through collaboration and continuous improvement.
Capitalising on her extensive knowledge, joie de vivre, and hands-on experience, Mandy offers a professional, friendly, and efficient service to clients and crew alike.

Director of Recruitment

Lennart Pundt is a naval architect with a deep-seated expertise in ship design and propulsion systems, acquired from his studies at the Technical University in Hamburg. His career with Lürssen began as a student in 2006, initially in mechanical engineering and later in the basic design department, where he specialized in sea trial analysis. In 2013, Lennart transitioned to Lürssen's pre-contractual engineering team as a naval architect, and he now leads the project development team for yachts.
In his current role, Lennart is responsible for guiding projects from initial inquiries to the signing of contracts. His work encompasses the development of general arrangement plans, the selection of optimal propulsion systems, and advancing energy efficiency strategies. Today, many of Lennart's projects integrate alternative fuels, reflecting the industry’s shift towards sustainable solutions in yacht design.

Head of Project Development

Andy King CEng FRINA graduated in 2007 with a degree in Naval Architecture. He worked for QinetiQ for three years focusing on defence projects and model testing. Andy then joined Global Maritime in London, working on risk analysis and accident investigations. Andy joined Lloyd’s Register in 2012 and primarily focused on stability plan approval for a variety of ship types as well as helping to lead a vessel emergency response service. He represented LR and the United Kingdom delegation at the International Maritime Organization, focusing on stability criteria for complex dynamic phenomena. Andy joined Houlder in 2024 and now holds the position of Director (Stability and Statutory), focusing on consultancy services. Andy’s team are involved in new yacht design projects, existing yacht engineering solutions, and yacht consultancy. Andy is an active member of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Industry Working Group, advises on yacht stability problems, and teaches stability to future yacht Masters.

Director of Stability & Statutory

Gerant

Vice President Application Engineering Marine

IAMI GUEST Director & Superyacht Alliance President

With a degree in Mechanical Engineering in Rome (Italy) and a Master from Southampton (UK) University's Yacht & Small Craft course, in 2011 Matteo began his career in The Netherlands where he worked with key superyacht shipbuilders as Naval Architect and Project Manager. In 2015, he moved to the UK and joined a leading international naval architecture consultancy firm where his role evolved into leading the business and commercial activities for the superyacht segment.
In 2024, Matteo joins RINA as Head of North Europe Yachting Centre where he ensures clients benefits from the best services both in terms of technical excellence and timely responses. Based in the Southampton office, he is responsible for the business development strategies, forming long term partnerships and commercial activities in the Region.
Matteo has served as member of the executive committee of Superyacht UK, the Great Britain’s superyacht industry advocate association and he is a proud Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

Head of North Europe Yachting Centre

Hello, I am Gareth Maclure a technical manager within the yacht management team at Burgess. I have a degree in Business & Marketing and sailing qualifications of Yachtmaster Offshore & Y1 Chief Engineer. I started in the yachting industry over 20 years ago as a deckhand. I have been a chief engineer on vessels from a 35m sailing yacht to a 90m motor yacht & worked in shipyards across the world. I was invited by Hien to be part of the YORP group and have been contributing to the team throughout 2025.

Technical Manager

Alberto Perrone Da Zara is Sales Director for Yacht Refit at Lürssen and is responsible for the sale of extensive refit projects carried out at the three Lürssen shipyards in Bremen and Hamburg. 
The German yacht builder Lürssen has earned a leading international reputation as the specialist for exclusive, bespoke yachts of outstanding engineering mastery. The development of sustainable technologies and innovations in yacht building are firmly anchored in Lürssen's DNA. Refit has become a core business for Lürssen for many years. The Lürssen Group has unique facilities and unparalleled potential to carry out multiple refits simultaneously whether a yacht is a Lürssen yacht or one built by another shipyard.
Before joining Lürssen in 2014, Alberto Perrone Da Zara, who holds a degree in naval architecture, spent two years as Sales Director Megayachts at Benetti shipyard in Italy and before that Alberto worked with a number of prestigious brands such as: the Ferretti Group, Vicem and Magnum Marine, based in the US, in Argentina and Turkey. In his 30 years in the yachting industry, he gained extensive experience in engineering, design, construction, sales, marketing and customer service.

Director Sales Yacht Refit

Working with product development of antifouling paints at Jotun since 1994.

Chief Chemist

After spending five years working on yachts, I saw a major gap in how crew were vetted across the industry. Too often, trust was assumed, not verified.
I founded CrewPass to change that. Our mission is to make yachting safer and more transparent by providing trusted, comprehensive vetting tools for crew and employers alike.
From certificate verification and identity validation to criminal history background checks, including global sanctions, financial records, and civil checks, we help ensure that every person on board is who they say they are.
Beyond vetting, CrewPass simplifies crew management, allowing agencies, captains, and owners to organise certifications, assign yachts, and maintain compliance, all in one secure platform.
At its heart, CrewPass exists to build trust on board, giving both crew and owners the confidence they deserve.

Jonas Wiesand, a seasoned large yacht Chief Officer, embarked on his career as a Deckhand on yachts in 2008.  He completed his cadetship on container ships before returning to yachts. He then gained extensive large vessel, bridge resource management and simulator experience on cruise ships as a Third and Second Officer.  Returning to yachts again, he worked as Second, First and then Chief Officer on yachts ranging from 110m to 156m.
 
 Jonas is a Master Unlimited and holds a BSc (Hons) in Marine Operations Management. He’s passionate about the human element, particularly motivation, culture, leadership, human-centred design and systems/procedure integration. He has had the pleasure of being involved on two large new build projects: an LNG powered cruise ship and a yacht exceeding 140m.

Chief Officer

We founded Crewdentials to help crew and maritime organisations solve the challenge of crew certification, compliance and verification. 
Through our innovative technology we put crew in control of their documentation and career, enabling them to be onboarded in seconds and share information in a way that preserves their privacy. For organisations we solve compliance, onboarding and verification headaches. Leaving your employees able to focus on the things that only a human can.
With a background as a solicitor and data protection practitioner I combine expertise, knowledge and an ability to challenge the status quo

Co-founder

Following his secondary and higher education in the Netherlands, Italy and UK (MSc Marine Technology), Engel started his career as a loss adjuster in the UK, determining insurance claims. In 1994, he was employed by the International Chamber of Shipping representing shipping companies mainly at the IMO. In 1996 he joined Lloyd's Register where he worked as a field surveyor dealing with various ship types including yachts and passengerships. He was appointed manager of the plan approval office in Rotterdam in 2005. From January 2012 his carreer took a more commercial direction by leading the sales team in Western Europe. He has been managing the yacht segment from commercial, technical and marketing point of view since the year 2000, representing LR during industry and governmental meetings. He became LR Yacht Segment Director in 2021.

Global Yacht Segment Director

Adam, a University of Nottingham alumnus, earned a Diploma in Architecture with Distinction from the University of Westminster in 2011. His extensive experience spans large-scale masterplanning to high-end residential schemes. His portfolio includes the Maljevic Bay luxury resort and residential villas in Montenegro, prefabricated private villas in Abu Dhabi, the Atlantis Hotel and resort in Hainan, China, and a luxury private house in the UK. In the latter project, he led the team from planning award to on-site construction.
 
Adam Newburn
BA (Hons) Dip. Arch (Dist) ARB RIBA
Senior Partner

Senior Partner

Chief Operational Officer

Laura Occhiodoro is a highly experienced Managing Engineer at RINA Services S.p.a, with over 20 years of experience in naval architecture and ship engineering. Since 2004, Laura has held various pivotal roles focused on plan approval, safety, and certification of commercial and pleasure yachts.
Her early career involved the examination and approval of safety plans for ships, with a strong focus on SOLAS regulations, fire protection, and means of escape. From 2005 to 2010, she specialized in the safety and systems approval for pleasure and commercial units. She also actively contributed to international working groups for yachting standards development.
Between 2012 and 2014, Laura managed the Italian Yachting Centre, overseeing plan approvals and coordinating RINA operational network of yachting survey stations in Italy. As head of the Pleasure and Small Craft Technical Function from 2014 to 2020, she led the development of new RINA rules and training programs on yachts and small vessels, including new requirements for glazing.
Since 2020, Laura has expanded her role as Yachting Excellence Managing Engineer, guiding regulatory compliance, collaborating on legislative frameworks, and leading the development of RINA’s yacht classification rules. 
She has actively followed the development of individual flag state codes, providing comments and suggestions to Flag Administrations and conducting comparative analyses of their various requirements.
From 2025, she has been a technical member for RINA of YSEC (Yacht Classification Society Consortium), contributing to the development of practical tools for interpreting yachting regulations. She is also actively involved in national and international initiatives shaping the future of yacht classification and safety regulations.

Managing Engineer

Head of

As the Executive Director of the Superyacht Life Foundation, I lead global marketing and communication initiatives that shape the perception of the superyacht industry, fostering awareness, growth, and positive recognition worldwide. With an MSc in Marketing & Communications and over ten years of experience across the luxury, hospitality, and technology sectors, I design and execute strategies that unite creativity with purpose — translating complex industry narratives into impactful campaigns. My background in brand positioning, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement enables me to connect diverse audiences, align global partners, and amplify a shared vision. Having lived in four countries and six cities, I bring a global mindset and cultural fluency essential for driving marketing efforts that resonate across borders and industries.

Simon was appointed Chief Executive of the International Seafarers Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN) in June 2021 and has been working to reinvigorate the organisation with a new strategy and purpose. After a successful career in the UK police service, he moved to the not-for-profit sector and has over 20 years of experience of leading successful NGOs in the UK, Nepal and Pakistan. Simon has worked in many different environments over the years, gaining significant experience of bringing diverse stakeholders together to achieve mutual objectives.

Chief Executive

Experienced Owner Representative, Technical Director, 38 New Builds + 16 Major Refits, Director and Operations Manager for Large Yachts. Passenger Ships, SYBAss Task Force member. Member of RINA, UK Chartered Engineer

Team Leader Yacht

A long track record in the Yacht business managing all Global AkzoNobel Yacht brands and products, 35+ years in paint. 
Chair of the recently formed ICOMIA Coatings Group (formed by combining the Chemicals Group, Biofouling Group and Applicators Group).

Sr. Product Manager Global Yacht

Tim Hamilton is the Director of Lurssen Americas.  In his role, he focuses on sales of new builds and refits for Lurssen in North and South America as well as providing shoreside support for Lurssens cruising in the Americas.
Prior to working for Lurssen, Tim was the Director of Feadship America in a similar role and has also represented the Rodriguez Group in the Americas markets.
Tim lives in Fort Lauderdale, is the father of three young daughters, and fun fact, rowed across the Atlantic in 2024!

With nearly 30 years of experience James brings an enviable depth and breath of knowledge to the forum. James has spent the last 15 years working as Captain and more recently as Owners Representative. He is passionate about leadership and developing positive onboard cultures. James speaks, on occasion, with the Super Yacht Leaders Network on a range of important subjects. Career highlights are taking the 1929 classic motoryacht Haida 1929 into the Alaskan wilderness in 2024. This was a trip that was 2 years in the planning with the owners and crew. 
James now runs a small Consultancy firm, Tillow Marine, advising owners, crew and at times management companies on all aspects of the industry.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, Paul brings a wealth of operational and client-focused expertise to his role as Operations Director at Viking Crew.  Responsible for overseeing all departments across the business, including employment, payroll, recruitment, crewing and deployment.
Paul began his maritime career with the P&O Group in 1997 and from 1999 to 2011 worked extensively onboard, travelling the globe with the boutique cruise company Swan Hellenic, culminating his onboard career as Cruise Director.
Since joining Viking Crew, Paul has held several roles, including Recruitment Manager and General Manager, before stepping into his current position in 2020.  Paul's in-depth understanding of both client and crew needs within the cruise and superyacht sectors continues to drive Viking Crew's commitment to delivering exceptional global maritime recruitment and crew management services.

Operations Director

Inspiring leader with 30 years of management, sales, marketing, and product development experience in marine, luxury products, advertising & communications, IT, and professional services.
A regular, spirited and seasoned keynote speaker- lately most often on the topic of sustainability, luxury marketing, the UHNWI segment, and the future of the marine industry. Completely fluent in English, Swedish and Finnish with advanced notions of French. Decades of global management experience translated into excellent cross cultural communications and people skills.
Lots of pragmatic, hands on management experience in start-up, corporate and turnaround scenarios. I also have an astute understanding of boardroom level corporate life in a variety of industries, settings and cultures. 
Having been involved in several acquisitions on the buy, sell and advisory side in the IT- and marine industries gives me a vast depth of understanding regarding strategy and best practices in a variety of environments. 
In summary, the above makes me a consummate and driven general manager, still curious and most inspired by helping people and businesses grow and develop. As well as learning and growing personally every day - expedited by my favorite methodology; management by walking around.

Hermen de Jong is leading the Innovation department of Royal Huisman and Rondal. With a background as a sailor and Aerospace Engineer, Hermen has passionately led the development of Rondal’s Aero Wing Sail and concept yacht AERA by Royal Huisman. These developments are intended to make sailing and wind propulsion mainstream in the yachting sector to reduce emission, improve autonomy and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Innovation Manager

Peter is a shipbuilder, naval architect and marine surveyor with 40+ years experience in the maritime industry and is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. Starting his career at UK Shipbuilder Vosper Thornycroft as an apprentice shipwright/metalworker and later as a naval architect in the ship design department.
After a period with Lloyd's Register specialising in yachts and passenger ships. Peter joined the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency where is was responsible for the implementation and expansion of the large yacht code second edition. After joining the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry as a marine surveyor he was instrumental in developing the Register as the world's leading yacht register and played a lead role in the development of the Red Ensign Group Passenger Yacht Code.
Peter is a regular panelist at maritime events and a regular contributor to articles on regulatory matters. He is a well respected authority on matters related to the construction, regulation and operation of ships and large yachts.
Peter has a Law Degree from the University of London and has completed the LPC with the University of Law and has been involved in the development of shipping legislation and provides advice on maritime regulatory matters.
Peter is currently serving as Regional Director, Americas/Yacht Code Specialist with the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, with responsibility for the Authority's technical operations in the Region.

Regional Director Americas/Yacht Codes Specialist

After graduating from university, Julian joined Lloyds Register in 2004 as a Surveyor in the Yacht and Special Service Craft Department. In 2014, he joined the Fire and Safety plan approval department as Lead Specialist (Yachts) and was responsible for the appraisal of plans and documentation for various superyacht projects up to 150m LOA. In 2017, he joined the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry and is now responsible for safety and compliance related matters from both a new build and in-service perspective specialising in pasenger yachts and alternative fuels. He also acts in the capacity of Code Secretariat for the REG Yacht Code and particpates in various industry working groups regarding regulatory development. Julian is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects.

Regional Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa

Hanna has a Masters degree in Naval Architecture and has worked passionately in the yachting industry for over 20 years. Her career has taken her from Marine Engineer to Senior Naval Architect, during which she has gained extensive knowledge and developed many projects together with foremen, crew members, managers, science institutes, classification societies and sales teams. Hanna grew up in wild nature, yet she is curious about technology and high-end developments. She is determined to reverse the negative effects of civilization and believes that a balance in earth, humanity and natural resources is the ultimate luxury.

Technical Director

Chief Operating Officer

A Burgess partner and currently responsible for their ambitious sustainability programme, Georgina has worked in brokerage, charter, management and led the company’s expansion into Asia and the Middle East. A former international oarswoman, she has wprled tp develop a diverse career both at Burgess and beyond the industry.

Partner

Marlies grew up in a small inland town in the Netherlands, discovering her love for sailing and travel while studying business. Alongside that, she developed a lasting interest in leadership and team dynamics — themes that continue to shape how she works today.
After a successful corporate career that took her around the world, she found her true calling in yachting more than 20 years ago and has been sailing ever since. With extensive experience across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the U.S. East Coast, Northern Europe, and remote regions such as Greenland and Arctic Canada, she is also an accomplished offshore sailor with numerous Atlantic crossings.
Having worked her way up through both sailing and motor yachts, Marlies has managed a variety of refits — large and small, and in different regions — and is currently captain on a new build. She thrives on the complexity of refits and new builds, bringing together people, processes, and details to deliver exceptional results for owners.
Driven by curiosity and determination, Marlies combines hands-on experience with continuous learning. A member of the inaugural 2023 YORP New Build programme, she continues to focus on both technical mastery and personal growth, striving to strengthen her leadership and support the teams she works with.

Rob Papworth graduated from Southampton University in 1995 with a degree in Ship Science. After spending a few years pursuing his passion for sailboat racing in the superyacht world, he transitioned ashore in 1998 to begin his first composite yacht build. This initial experience sparked a decade-long career in the construction of high-tech composite sailing yachts, including several prestigious projects for the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race.
In 2001, Rob moved to the South of France, where he entered the yacht refit industry with Compositeworks, eventually becoming a shareholder in the company. When Compositeworks was acquired by MB92 in 2017, Rob stayed on in La Ciotat to lead operations,  where he continues as their CEO. For the past decade, he has also served as Chairman of the ICOMIA Superyacht Refit Group, contributing his expertise to industry standards and best practices.
Rob still resides in the South of France, an ideal setting for enjoying both his love of the sailing and skiing with his wife and 2 children.

Environmental Specialist

Gabbi is the founder of Yachting Ventures, a global growth platform supporting startups in leisure marine with community, marketing and events. Prior to launching Yachting Ventures, Gabbi worked at a VC-backed tech startup in London, where she collaborated closely with startup accelerators and investors to automate the fundraising process. She is also a UK-qualified lawyer having trained at a maritime law firm in London.

Founder & CEO

As co-founder and executive director of Water Revolution Foundation, Robert oversees its daily operations, focusing on partner relationships and progressive projects to accelerate environmental change in the global yachting sector. Under his leadership the Foundation brought forward the powerful Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI), a sector specific Roadmap 2050 towards regenerative yachting and Environmental Crew Guidelines for example. Robert holds a masters degree in business administration, specialised in sustainability & stakeholder management. He is passionate about uniting people and organizations to achieve things that are beyond the scope of the individual.

Marilu Sicoli
Dip Arch MSc ARB RIBA
Senior Partner
 
Marilu is a Senior Partner with extensive global design experience. She studied architecture at the University of Reggio Calabria, Italy, and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture in Copenhagen, Denmark, graduating in 1995. Marilu went on to complete her MSc in Energy and the Built Environment at Cranfield University’s Department of Applied Energy in the UK. She joined Foster + Partners in 1996, working globally on a broad spectrum of projects ranging from universities, headquarters, museums, luxury residential buildings, resorts, and a supreme court building.

Jason began his yachting career in 2008 after working in London for 7 years as an IT Consultant. He quickly decided that he had found his niche in the yachting industry as an IT consultant within a large yacht management company that regularly required his AVIT knowledge on the yachts they managed. This resulted in him becoming an ETO / AVIT Officer. In addition to this role, he and his wife Nicci started Robertson ETO’s with the aim of providing exceptional ETO’s and AVIT Engineers to the ever-growing super yacht industry.
 
He has had the opportunity over the years to manage AVIT installations on various large new builds and refits, providing technical recommendations and support directly to Owners and Owners representatives.

Chairman & Editor in Chief

Chief Project Lead

Carsten Franik is a seasoned Superyacht Captain and Mentor with more than twenty years of global command experience. Known for his composed decision-making and ability to create stable, high-performing crew environments, he brings a practical, clear-minded approach to modern yacht operations.
Carsten combines traditional seamanship with a long-term commitment to personal development. Outside of his time at sea, he works extensively on refining self-awareness, leadership presence, and resilience through practices informed by Taoism, Qi Gong, and other longstanding wisdom traditions. This ongoing work shapes a leadership style that is grounded, observant, and able to navigate complexity without unnecessary noise.
His career reflects a consistent focus on standards, structure, and culture: running efficient programs, maintaining strong crew cohesion, and ensuring that service, safety, and communication remain aligned under pressure.
At the Superyacht Forum, Carsten contributes a perspective centred on maturity in leadership—what it means to hold authority responsibly, how to build sustainable crew cultures, and how captains can adapt to the increasing demands of today’s large-yacht operations with clarity and steadiness.

After a degree in electrical engineering, an experience in consultancy and over twenty years in the industrial and marine sectors, Gianni Paladino currently serves as Commercial Director of Lusben, the Superyacht Refit Division of the Azimut|Benetti Group. He oversees sales strategy, business development and customer relations across Lusben’s shipyards in Livorno, Viareggio and Varazze, leading the brand’s transformation and international growth. Before joining Azimut|Benetti, he held senior commercial roles at Wärtsilä and Bombardier, where he developed major global partnerships and managed strategic accounts in the marine and transport industries. Combining strong technical expertise with a deep understanding of market dynamics, he drives Lusben’s vision for excellence, innovation and Italian craftsmanship in yacht refitting.

Commercial Director

Evy De Maeyer is Manager Research & Development at Oceanco.   
She holds a master’s degree in Electromechanical Engineering and followed this with a master degree in Ship Design from the University of Delft.  After doing her graduation project at Oceanco 18 years ago, she started working as an R&D Engineer focusing on the special technology queries from our yacht clients assisting in the sales process and engineering.  
Over the years she has built up a vast knowledge on multiple technical disciplines and is regarded as an expert on Noise & Vibration within the company.  The diversity of research topics appeals her, covering most technical aspects that make a superyacht unique.  Being able to bring the theory and practice together during the build, learning from it and testing it, is what motivates her.

Manager R&D

Captain / CEO

After leaving school at 18, I entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Commissioned into the British Army.
I spent a little over 12 years serving across the globe including war-fighting tours, peace support, counter-insurgency operations and ceremonial duties.
Post-Army, I went 'seasonal' - winters in the Alps, summers working on various yachts ranging from 35 - 115m, before realising that there was more to life that skiing and jetskiing!
15 years in Yacht Management running fleets of upto 18 yachts, and a Director Of Management role later, I find myself in the Family Office atmosphere hopefully counselling Owners on how to maximise their enjoyment of their assets.

Owner's Rep / Operations Director

Paul Shepherd is Chair of the CHIRP Superyacht Maritime Advisory Board, leading the group’s work to strengthen safety awareness and promote open reporting across the superyacht sector. A Master Mariner (Unlimited) with experience across yachts, cruise ships, ferries, tall ships and research vessels, Paul brings a broad operational perspective and a deep passion for safety to the role.
He is also the founder and Director of Whitehorse Maritime Academy, the leading provider of MCA oral exam preparation and professional training, and is also deeply involved in a range of auditing, inspection, consultancy and onboard training across the superyacht and commercial sectors.
Through CHIRP and his wider work, Paul advocates for practical, collaborative approaches to safety, encouraging the superyacht industry to actively share and learn from incidents across the sector and to embed proactive safety leadership at every level.

Chair

Dagmar Symes is a hospitality executive with over 25 years of international experience, currently serving as CEO of Al Hamra Oasis Village in Riyadh. Her career in Saudi Arabia began with Hill Robinson Estates, managing ultra-high-net-worth estates with a yachting heritage. Dagmar previously held senior roles in luxury hospitality and retail, including BVLGARI and Louis Vuitton, and served as General Manager for brands like Kempinski, InterContinental, and Anantara. Her cross-industry expertise in high-end service and operations gives her a unique perspective on excellence. She is also a published author and recognized speaker, fluent in English, French, and German.

Co founder: Creative and Technology Director

President

Kayleigh joined Hill Robinson four years ago brining nearly a decade of expertise in Human Resources, Education, and Recruitment to Hill Robinson. With a rich background in establishing HR frameworks for international startups, she has successfully shaped policies and welfare initiatives for employees. A dedicated advocate for gender equality, Kayleigh co-founded WorkmATe, a social enterprise supporting young women in STEM education. Through networking events and mentorship programs, she connected over 200 women with valuable opportunities in both employment and education.  In her transition to the yachting industry, Kayleigh seamlessly integrates her passion for fair employment and welfare culture from land to sea. As Crew Services Coordinator, she is dedicated to placing crew members at the forefront of the conversation, embodying Hill Robinson’s commitment to providing an exceptional crew experience.

Crew Services Coordinator

Tenair

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