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.

NXT Level Recruitment: Aligning Talent Acquisition with Onboard Reality

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

Director

Managing Director

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

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

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.

Partner

Director Sales Yacht Refit

Environmental Specialist

Senior Director, Global Head of Luxury

Senior Naval Architect

Gerant

Head of Marketing & Sales Manager

Chief Mechanical Engineer

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

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.

Sr. Digital Advisor North America

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

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

Chief Operating Officer

Marlies grew up in a small inland town in the Netherlands, discovering her love for travel and sailing during her business studies. During this time, she also developed a fascination with leadership and team dynamics while working as an assistant trainer, creating role-play scenarios for executive corporate training. It was here that she realized how bias and varying information can shape people’s behaviour. After a successful corporate career that allowed her to start exploring the world, she accidentally discovered yachting over 20 years ago and knew she had found a new calling: she has been sailing ever since.
 
With extensive experience racing and cruising in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, East Coast of the States, Northern Europe and even remote places in the Arctic, Marlies is also an accomplished offshore sailor with numerous Atlantic crossings under her belt. Having worked her way up the ranks on both small and larger sailing and motor yachts, learning valuable lessons from each of her captains and crews - sometimes discovering the kind of leader she did not want to be. 
Her curiosity and determination drive her to keep learning, combining personal experiences and insights from the people she works with, along with more formal training. She focuses not only on mastering technical skills but also on personal growth and improving her leadership abilities, so she can be a stronger leader and better support her crew.

Captain

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.

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.

Chief R&D Officer

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.

Executive Director

Initiator and vice-president presso Water Revolution Foundation

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

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

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.

Chief Officer

With a master’s degree in human resource management and a member of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development, Alice brings over 15 years of experience in the yachting industry to crew HR operations, having worked for a leading yacht crew association, for yacht management companies, and in shoreside HR roles in France and the UK. She is committed to delivering seamless HR services and support to crew, addressing crew welfare and safety at sea, along with professional development and leadership requirements. She believes that the yachting industry can strongly benefit from insights and tools from a wider HR perspective.

Crew HR Manager

Captain / CEO

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

Head - Insights and Knowledge

Director Maritime

Environment Executive

Chief Chemist

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

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

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

IAMI GUEST Director & Superyacht Alliance President

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

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

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.

Secretary General

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

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

Naval Architect

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

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

Chairman

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

With nearly 30 years of experience in the maritime insutry, 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 working 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 ino his current position in 2020.  Paul's in-depth understanding of both client and crew needs within the cruise and superyacht sectors contiunes to drive Viking Crew's committment to delivering exceptional global maritime recruitment and crew management services.

Operations 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

Chief Project Lead

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

Product 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

Tenair

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