Jean-Philippe Maslin

Associé / Partner, Richemont Del Viso Avocats

Chloe Collet

Captain & Officer Recruitment Specialist

Having grown up in South Africa and completed her university studies in France, Chloe is fully bi-lingual and bi-cultural. She is an outgoing and optimistic person who strives to find the best in each candidate as well as developing opportunities to make the perfect onboard match. 

Chloe has been involved in human resources since 1995 and in yacht crew placement since 1998. Outside the office, she likes to escape to nearby Liguria, embrace the outdoors, sample good food and wine, and immerse herself in the arts.

Fiona Maureso

Senior Charter Broker

Graduating from the University of Bath with a degree in European Studies, Fiona left her native England to explore the world of yachting in the South of France. After a brief stint as a deckhand/stewardess on a 40m motor yacht, she realised life at sea was not for her and moved ashore to work for a yacht brokerage company in Antibes. Thus started a career as a charter broker that now spans over 30 years in four well-respected companies. In January 2013, Fiona joined Northrop & Johnson to help establish the brand’s presence in the South of France.  A long-standing and committed member of MYBA, the Worldwide Yachting Association, she served as President for four years and continues to mentor young brokers and support causes that champion professional excellence throughout the yachting industry.

Onno Ebbens

Managing Director, Acrew

Onno’s expertise lies in the arena of operational & financial excellence and engagement building for teams, markets and clients. After a short period on yachts in the late 1980’s Onno moved to Luxury Hospitality, Training and Consultancy. With this experience, he founded his marketing consultancy firm in 1998 which became a top 5 firm in the Netherlands with over 200 employees. In 2010 he returned to yachting and became a partner in ACREW soon after.  Speaking five languages and with a passion for knowledge sharing, Onno has added great value to ACREW and the superyacht industry over the past 10+ years.

Christophe Bourillon

CEO, Professional Yachting Association (PYA)

Prior to joining the PYA, Christophe was Executive Director of the World Federation of Science Journalists. He offers a 25-year experience in senior management, public affairs and communication at the national and international levels. He founded and led various industry associations, such as Wind Europe and drove other organizations through major transformations such as the World Nuclear Association, the European Biofuels association and the European robotics association. He held senior management positions in larger organisations, such as Pechiney/Alcan (now Constellium) and logen.

He has been active on the international policy-making scene and was an accredited expert to the United Nations. He participated in the negotiations of the UN Convention on climate change for more than fifteen years.

Georgia Allen

Projects and Relationships Manager, ISWAN

Georgia is Project Manager at the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN). She is responsible for the strategic delivery of ISWAN’s diverse range of projects related to seafarer mental and physical health and welfare; including their Yacht Crew Help platform, which provides 24/7 helpline support to superyacht crew in need. She works closely with the ISWAN international teams and a wide range of industry stakeholders, to ensure each project is informed by the latest research and findings.

Vincent McCartney

Client Services Director, IQ-EQ

Vincent heads IQ-EQ’s luxury assets division with a core focus on superyachts.

Having directed licenced corporate service providers in Switzerland, Malta and the Isle of Man, one of which comprised of 10 nationalities within a team of 17 and, after living in 7 countries to date, he has a firm understanding of the importance of cultural differences and diversity when bringing teams together and motivating them.

With over 2 decades of experience in providing services to UHNW individuals and families, Vincent has and continues to assist an array of clients including Monarchs, Celebrities, Stars and lessor known individuals with their structuring and compliance needs around the globe.

As a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, Vincent is involved in estate planning and asset protection concerning multiple asset classes and jurisdictions.

When home on the Côte d’Azur (and not visiting clients) Vincent enjoys being at sea with family and friends, on a modest sailing vessel and can often be found on the terraces scattering the French and Italian rivieras.

Christophe Ceard

Managing Director, Dean & Waters

Christophe has been in the marine industry for 23 years, originally in the fast ferry activity and subsequently in the superyacht industry.

Born in France and graduated with an International Business Administration Degree in Paris,

Christophe has been living and managing operations in Spain, Asia, Caribbean, Switzerland and French Riviera.

He has worked for 14 years for same Hong Kong UHNWI family office, managing superyachts, projects and hospitality activities until 2016.

Then was working for Ocean Independence in the management and services to clients.

From 2018 until end 2022, Christophe has headed up Swiss Ocean Yacht Management (the yachting arm of international shipping group Columbia Ship Management, one of the leading ship manager of the world), with offices and operations in Hamburg, Cyprus, Zurich and Singapore.

Christophe recently joined boutique firm Dean & Waters, still from Hamburg, and also lead crewing services firm Sirius Maritime.

Christophe has long experience with superyacht fleet management ranging from Superyachts to Gigayachts (30m to 140m), and refit and new build supervision, in Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Christophe is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) and has been on the Committee since it was established in 2011, and is currently serving as the Vice Chairman. 

Matthew Jaenicke

Group Managing Director, Viking Maritime Group

As Group Managing Director, Matthew is responsible for overseeing all Offices, Associates and Departments globally within the Viking Maritime Group, including Viking Crew, Maritime Skills Academy & Chiltern Maritime and reports directly to the Chairman and the Board.

Matthew is instrumental in the advancement of the company in all sectors including business development, monitoring industry trends and maximising client growth; as well as ensuring current clients and candidates are receiving the bespoke and tailored services that Viking provides.

Matthew joined Viking in 2001, however prior to this has a seagoing career spanning 8 years working in the Hotel Department of Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises. His early career was spent in the Guest Services department, sailing out of Dover on cross Channel ferries.

Along with all the Directors and Management at Viking, Matthew is proactive in ensuring that administrative and technological standards are progressive and in line with International Maritime Law, global employment and payroll procedures and industry training standards. This together with our own in-house and Lloyds accredited Quality Assurance ensures we are constantly reviewing and improving our company and client policies and procedures, to provide best practice.

Mathieu Henry

Director, WYCC - Seafarer & Expatriate Benefits

Joanna Drysdale

Manager, Underwriting Services, MHG Insurance

Joanna is the manager of the Underwriting Services team at MHG Insurance in the Isle of Man where she has been specialising in yacht crew insurance for 12 years.

An advocate for crew mental health and wellbeing, Joanna volunteers with the steering committee for Yacht Crew Help, a resource for yacht crew in distress which is run by International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).

Liz Baugh

Red Square Medical

My medical career began when I joined the Royal Navy in 1999 and trained to work as an independent medical practitioner on small warships and with frontline Royal Marines units. My shoreside roles involved managing the medical preparedness of task groups leaving for operational deployments as well as new build medical facility commissioning. 

Having made the move into the commercial shipping sector and STCW training space I soon started to miss working with and on the ships. Balancing the needs of the ship against the commercial commitments of a shipping company was of great interest to me as I had been on both sides of the fence and saw where the disconnects were and how the stresses that can build could be avoided.  With clear strategies for working across multiple vessels and shoreside sites and well established communications channels  that allow for collaboration and ultimately a unified goal for excellent standards in crew health and welfare I found a way to continue my passion for providing medical care at sea and thus Red Square Medical was started. Our team is small. Current clinicians from a range of specialities who have worked, or continue to work, onboard vessels of all types.

Tracey Santrian

BZ Maritime Leadership

Tracey is a highly experienced Executive Consultant and Trainer who specialises in Professional Human Skills (Leadership, Crew Welfare, Well-being, Mental Fitness and Resilience, Teambuilding etc) for people operating in the maritime domain. A Former Royal Navy Commissioned Officer, she continues to serve as a Reservist with the Commando Helicopter Force, where she is the lead for Mental Health and Diversity & Inclusion.  As a Registered Social Worker ,Tracey spent many years managing Seafarers Welfare Support Teams and was also the Royal Navy’s Casualty Officer during the height of operations in Afghanistan.  She is a qualified Teacher (Adult Education), and previously headed the Professional School for the training of Maritime and Defence Welfare staff.  She also led a team that delivered Personal and Professional Development training for Naval recruits and featured in the UK Channel 4 TV Series ‘Royal Navy School.’  Having co-established BZ Maritime Leadership, she has worked extensively with superyacht Captains, Officers, and Crew, to develop their Professional Human Skills, whilst also enhancing superyacht recruiting success rates with psychometric evaluation of candidates. 

Tracey is recognised by the professional British and European Psychological organisations, is a qualified Coach, and holds a Degree in Leadership and Management.

Captain Luca Triggiani

Italian Yacht Masters

John Cook

Lesia Group

John is the Managing Director of Lesia Employment Services ICC Limited, based in Guernsey, which started life in November 2010. Previously, in 2003, John formed the first company to offer employment services to the yacht industry. He has retained the knowledge he gained when working for HMRC, especially in the area of social security.

He was part of the MCA’s Large Yacht Sub-Group and instigated the PYA visit to the ILO offices in Geneva in February 2010 and worked with the Seafarers International Research Centre at Cardiff University in drafting the PYA qualitative survey for yacht crew.  He is an ILO certified trainer of MLC inspectors and regularly runs MLC training sessions on yachts and for yacht sector companies, and is a frequent speaker at yacht seminars and conferences.

From June 2022, John will be a Visiting Lecturer at the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden.

Jonathan Watson

Partner, MFB Solicitors

Jonathan is Head of Yachting at MFB Solicitors in London with particular expertise in high value, complex superyacht transactions. His deals have involved some of the largest yachts in the world. He advises on ownership structures, sale/purchase contracts, newbuild and refit projects, finance, VAT, flagging, insurance, chartering and management. His clients include wealthy individuals/family offices, banks, managers and institutional investors.

Jonathan is the legal columnist for Yacht Investor Business magazine and is a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

Henning Schwarzkopf

Founder and Partner of Schwarzkopf Law

Founder & Principal of Schwarzkopf Law and licensed as a lawyer in Hamburg, Germany and Antibes, France with offices in both cities.

Educated as a maritime lawyer in Germany and in the United States (universities of Hamburg and Miami, Florida, graduating with a master´s degree in comparative law).

Having worked in Hamburg, San Francisco, Atlanta and Miami as well as Monaco, the focus turned to Shanghai and Hong Kong. As a “pioneer” of yachting in China an early member of APSA, the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association based in Hong Kong. Frequent exhibitor (as a lawyer) at Hainan Rendezvous and other yacht shows in China. Founder and principal of consulting companies in Hong Kong and Singapore assisting medium sized European companies.

From the office in Antibes advising clients on legal issues of yachting in the Mediterranean.

Frequent speaker at international conference. 

John Wyborn

Director, Bluewater

John Wyborn joined the Royal Navy as a seaman officer after university and served on various types of vessels including frigates, destroyers, and finally in command of HMS Mentor; a navigation and seamanship training vessel teaching RN trainees and foreign navies.  John and his fellow directors started Bluewater in 1991, a company specializing in yacht brokerage, charter, and management as well as crew recruitment and training.

He is President of MYBA (the worldwide yachting association), on the board of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and is a board member of the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI). He is Chairman of IAMI’s influential Small Ship subgroup. John also sits on the board of both the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Maritime Skills Alliance.

As Director of Training at Bluewater, John is heavily invested in the training of crew.

Steve Monk

Da Gama Maritime

Steve Monk has spent most of his life at sea on a range of vessels both sail and power driven. With more salt water than blood running through his veins, he remains passionate about the water and the encouragement of others to push themselves in the challenges thrown up by the sea. A 22 year career in the Royal Navy through 15 ships saw him rise from junior aircraft mechanic to Navigator of the Fleet Flag Ship and aircraft carrier, HMS ARK ROYAL.

Officially recognised and awarded for his professionalism and instructional skills, he completed a two year period developing and honing the skills of future Officers at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis. Ever dedicated to the development of navigational abilities, as a qualified Specialist Navigator he was the lead instructor for Flag Officer Sea Training where he led a team who pushed the boundaries and limits of every RN and many NATO ships bridge teams to expand their skills and capabilities.

Steve was also directly accountable to the Admiral for the underway assessment of all newly promoted sea-going Captains.

An early user of compliant ECDIS equipment he was involved in its development within the military for which an intense understanding of its use and capabilities were necessary. He was one of the few authorised within the Navy to certify ships to operate ‘paperless’ once they had completed an intense risk assessment and two day training package to demonstrate their use of the equipment.

Leaving the Royal Navy in 2009 he established Da Gama Maritime, a company providing navigation management and on board crew training to both Superyachts and Commercial ships. Expansion through reputation and professionalism alone has meant the company now employs a number of exmilitary subject matter experts to enhance safety at sea. An author of numerous safety related maritime articles he can regularly be found pushing Flag States to enhance policy and procedures.

Command qualified (Royal Navy CQ2) Steve is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation, an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and has been awarded Chartered Master Mariner status.

Sitting on the ISS Education Committee as well as the Education and Training committee of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and an active member of the International Hydrographic Office Crowd Source Bathymetry working group, he strives to enhance standards from both a crew and regulatory perspective. With many years of experience in driving ships of all sizes, he provides consultancy advice and instruction to Superyachts, Merchant ships and military forces around the
world, as well as the industry suppliers to assist mariners in maintaining safety at sea.

Emma Kate Ross

Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Co-Founder and Director, Seas the Mind

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Emma pursued a 15-year career in super-yachting. Starting in 2005 on motor yachts and had also run sailing yachts.

Seeing and experiencing a vacuum in the industry around mental health awareness and unchallenged bullying and harassment, Emma sought to find an industry-accessible solution and resource. Having completed a two-day Mental Health First Aid course, Emma found what she believes to be the most progressive resource available for anyone in the maritime industry – the opportunity to educate and empower crew on personal and collective wellbeing. Upskilling during COVID-19 to become an MHFA Instructor and adapting the MHFAider® course for the yachting industry, she co-founded SEAS THE MIND, a global resource and training program for seafarers to tackle, recognise and fortify individuals to understand their own and others’ mental health onboard. 

For Emma yachting has been a wonderful career and opportunity, she also knows nothing is perfect and there is always room for improvement and wants to leave yachting even better for the next generation, and that’s what she believes we are doing with SEAS THE MIND.

Charles Watkins

Mental Health Support

Born in 1985 in Osnabrück, Germany

Having graduated with a master’s degree (with distinction) in clinical psychology and completing his clinical training at the world-renowned University Medical Center of Princeton, Charles continued to use his passion to inspire positive change and advance the field of psychology in areas new to the psychological approach. Working in his private practice has been complemented by lecturing on various topics around the world. His devotion towards identifying places of need for dealing with stress and depression has led him to the maritime industry. Through the team’s profound research in the maritime industry, Charles has been able to create training videos and safety plans for the crew and on-shore personnel.

Charles has been researching the area of maritime stresses and psychological illnesses to develop preventive measures for the maritime industry. Charles is continuing to find helpful psychological solutions for real life problems on ships and on shore.

Conrad Empson

Managing Director, CrewPass

Conrad Empson started a career in yachting many years ago, and since then has had a starring role on Below Deck and has now  launched his own business –  CrewPass, an innovative Superyacht crew management software. 

Amélie de Franssu

Amélie de Franssu, Senior Associate / Avocate au Barreau de Paris, Stream Advocats & Solicitors

Amélie has a particular expertise on all aspects of the yachting industry, especially regarding crewing (employment and social security) both in litigation and advisory, especially in international matters. She joined Stream (previously Ince & Co) in 2015.

 Amélie studied law in France, Germany and Canada.

Frédérique Heurtel

Partner & Head of Employment Law Department, Stream Advocats & Solicitors

Frédérique is specialised in employment law and advises clients of Stream law, mainly employers, on all their employment law issues. Competent in both national and European laws, her clients are both French and international companies. Frédérique developed an expertise in maritime employment law since she joined Stream in 2017, after advising several shipowners and crew managers on those matters.

Michelle Chance

Employment Partner and Head of London Employment Team, HFW

Michelle Chance is an employment partner and Head of the London Employment Practice. She has over 20 years’ experience advising on complex and sensitive employment matters, which often involve discrimination and where the stakes in terms of monetary value and reputational risk are high.

Michelle’s specific yacht experience includes advising on the impact of sanctions on potential employment claims of unionised crew members; drafting seafarers employment agreements and settlement agreements on the termination of employment of senior crew members; and advising on and updating employment policies and procedures for crew members in the light of an International Human Rights At Sea investigation into claims of bullying and harassment.

Paul Miller

Director of Underwriting, Millstream Underwriting & Nexus Europe UK Branch

Currently Director of Underwriting at Millstream Underwriting Limited Ltd one of the largest Yacht and Marine Leisure Underwriting Agencies in the London & European Markets who market their products under the brand names of: Yachtsure24, Yachtsure, Marinasure & Racecover.

Millstream have Underwriting authority from both Lloyd’s and the Company market and represent some of the largest and highest quality Insurers in the World. They insure a wide spectrum of yachts ranging from €5,000,000 to the €500,000,000 Mega yachts seen in Monaco.

We developed a specialist product “Racecover” for the high tech state of the art racing yachts and have insured the Volvo 65 fleet, Open 60’s, GC32’S and TP52’s among many .

I currently manage a team of 6 people underwriting a portfolio of Yacht & associated products, Marinas, Yacht yards and Builders Risks with a GWP of just under £20,000,000.

I have worked in the Lloyd’s market since 1977 and have been a leading underwriter within the yacht market since 1985.

I have specialised in the Yacht and Marine Trade/Leisure Industry over the last 35 years and have been both Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Yacht Advisory Committee and Vice Commodore of Lloyd’s Yacht Club.

I previously sat on The London Joint Hull Committee for 8 years and also Chaired the International Union of Marine Insurers Inland, Fishing vessel and Yachts (IFY) Committee for a number of years.

I have spoken at many International Conferences including IUMI, Project 2002, Seas 2004, the GlobalSuperyacht Forum, the Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference, The World Marina Conference and Chaired the Future of Superyachts Conference for over 5 years.

Quentin Bargate

Founder & CEO, Bargate Murray

Marcela de Kern Royer

Principal of Onboard Monaco

Marcela de Kern Royer, she is a Monaco resident founder and owner of Onboard, a consulting firm based in Monaco specialized in the sales to HNWI and luxury marketing in the yachting industry. Author of the first textbook ever written about The Superyacht Industry,and program director of the Yachting Masterclass in the Yacht Club de Monaco.  Previously she was commercial director for ICON Yachts shipyard in the Netherlands and was also the founder and president of the Young Professionals in Yachting (YPI) Monaco chapter, among many other pursuits.

Apart from her professional services, she is also an influential social media figure in yachting (@onboard.mc and @onboardwithmarcela)  She has a passion for all things yachting and is known worldwide for being a trusted spoke person for the yachting industry.

Ian Malouf

Managing Director, Ahoy Club

Captain Malcolm Jacotine

A Master Mariner with an engineering, computing and business background who has been involved in the superyacht industry since 1989.  He has been fortunate to serve on yachts such as ECO, Lady Marina, Equanimity, Eclipse, Ulysses, Serene and Aviva (98). His experience encompasses all aspects of yacht operation, management, design, new build and refit. 

 In his maritime career he has also been fortunate to sail most oceans and sea, the Amazon and Congo rivers, the Chilean fjords and visit the remote Cocos Island National Park.

He is the owner of Three Sixty Marine a Monaco based superyacht consultancy established to help owners get the best from yachting. An author and commentator on subjects such as command, manning, operation and management and leading advocate for sustainable yachting.  He recently launched superyacht2030.com a platform to both challenge and educate the industry on environmental issues.  

 An Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and member of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Jessica Galea

Senior Associate, Dingli & Dingli Law Firm

Jessica Galea graduated as a Doctor of Laws (LL.D) from the University of Malta in 2008 and was admitted to the Maltese Bar in January 2009. She read a Master’s Degree in international maritime law at the IMO’s IMLI, and graduated in May 2009.  

Jessica has formed part of Dingli & Dingli Law Firm’s Shipping Department since 2009, and works on all shipping and yachting related matters, including yacht and vessel registrations, mortgage registration and yacht finance under Malta and various other jurisdictions, incorporation of Maltese shipping organisations, assistance with yacht importation via Malta, support with yacht sale and purchase transactions, assistance from a legal perspective with the establishment of finance and operating leases, and advice on crewing and other regulatory issues.

Jessica is a member of the Malta Chamber of Advocates and the Malta Maritime Law Association (MMLA), and forms part of the MMLA’s yachting sub-committee. She actively participates in the events of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, the Super Yacht Industry Network Malta, and shiparrested.com.

Fotis Geranios

Head of Charter Management, IYC Greece

Born and raised in Athens, it’s truly in Greece that Fotis developed his passion for the tourism industry. He completed his studies in Hotel and Hospitality management, as well as Public Relations and then began his career by working as a Manager in several renowned hotels in the island of Mykonos, which he considers his second home.

In 2007 Fotis entered the yachting industry, first as a Fleet Manager and then as a Junior Charter Manager.

Since April 2015 he holds the position of Head of Charter Management at IYC Greece.

Fotis has traveled all around the globe either to discover new destinations or to visit his all time favorite ones. For Fotis, every little corner of the world has a potential for chartering.

Alex Chumillas

Tax Marine & Aviation Spain SL

Richard Felipes

Marine Insurance Consultant, Capurro Insurance & Investments

Racing dinghies since the age of 12 with my first international on 420’s at 15. Sailing has always been one my sporting passions. Later in life proceeded to 2 x J 24 Europeans and one International followed by 4 Rolex Swan Nautor Cups amongst others.

Graduating in International Marketing with French I started off my career in Media then moved onto Industry with Product Marketing – In the world of Pharmaceuticals allowing me to travel the world as a Regional Export Manager. I then changed industry upon returning to Gibraltar and moved into Finance focusing mainly on investments and worked for AIG for many years. I also run my own Private Company for a few years raising equity and senior debt for building projects

My life changed further when I was offered an opportunity to get involved in the sector I love “Yachts” doing Marine Insurance mainly for pleasure craft. I took the daring step of working for myself and built up a very healthy private portfolio of yachts and super yachts mainly focusing in Europe. Currently working under the license of Capurro Insurance and Investments Ltd. in Gibraltar which is where I originate from. With Brexit this led to us opening an additional operation in Malta to service all EU Flags and EU Nationals. It has been a great 16 years thus far and I hope to have many more to come. Success with Yachts and with Super Yachts in the latter 8 years is all down to 3 major focal points in the following order of priority:

*The quality of the security I bring to the table
*Claims Involvement
*Pricing

The above 3 areas of focus are crowned by consistent and good communication. This has resulted in a highly loyal client base over the years that have in turn been my major source of advertising.

“ If you have passion and belief in what you do you will be successful”

Christine Cassar Naudi

Partner, Tax Advisory, Ganado Advocates

Christine Cassar Naudi is a Partner within the corporate finance and tax team at Ganado Advocates, and heads the firm’s tax practice for yachts. She joined Ganado Advocates after working for a number of years with one of the Big Four firms in Malta in the international tax department. Christine provides tax advice to mostly international clients (both corporate and individual) on tax optimisation through Malta, including income tax, stamp duty and VAT implications for clients with Malta-based companies and structures. She is a speaker at a number of seminars and conferences.

Richard Lambert

Head of Sales and Senior Partner, Burgess

Richard Lambert, former Managing Director Asia and Senior Broker, is now Head of Sales implementing the overall strategy to boost sales across the board. He joined Burgess in 2005 as managing director of the OceanStyle semi-custom division, then left to become M Class Director for Princess Yachts in 2013. In 2014 he returned to Burgess as a senior Sales Broker, specialising in the semi-custom sector, and in 2015 took on responsibility for overseeing Burgess’ operations in Asia. Richard has garnered a wealth of experience in the yachting industry, managing the Spanish network of Princess offices and running his own yacht brokerage company, also in Spain, that specialised in production motor and sports yachts. Prior to joining Burgess in 2005 he spent four years as International Sales Manager for Azimut Yachts in the UK.

Richard has a BSc (Hons) in Geography and Oceanography from Plymouth University and is a keen sailor and skier.

Jon Henley

Partner, Lending Solutions, B Capital Services

Jon is a Partner with B Capital, a European Multi-Family Office and has responsibility for Lending Solutions. Jon has over 20 years of lending-centric experience in Structured Finance, Private Banking and Commercial Credit, almost all of which has centred around transportation and a particular focus on hard asset lending across the aviation and marine sectors.

Prior to joining B Capital, Jon held senior roles with global financial institutions, most recently with Deutsche Bank and Barclays, where he structured and executed transactions for private individuals, family offices, commercial operators, leasing platforms and private equity.

Jean-Philippe MASLIN

Associé/Partner, Richemont Delviso

Andrew Grant Super

Managing Director, Superyacht Experiential Adventure Co, Berkeley Rand

MD of Berkeley Rand, a Superyacht experiential travel expedition design & engineering house. Part of BWA Yachting. Advisor to UHNWs and yacht owners on planning adventures for their guests and working closely and intimately with the owners and their representatives. Developed the first NFT Superyacht experiences. Expert in immersive technologies on board and for the experiences at sea in remote and local regions. 

Craig Barnett

Triton Submersibles

Carlos Miquel

PA Yacht Charters

Carole Plessy

VP Maritime & Energy, One Web

Carole Plessy is Head of Maritime product development for OneWeb, the global communications company that is revolutionising satellite networks to bring much needed connectivity to rural and remote places, and greater connectivity to existing markets.

OneWeb’s mission is to enable internet access everywhere for everyone. OneWeb is building a communications network with a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites. It’s high speed, low latency, network will offer game-changing mobility solutions to industries that are currently being held back by the lack of full global connectivity, such as Aviation, Maritime, Automotive, Enterprise and more.

Carole joined OneWeb in 2018 with a background in satellite telecommunications and more than 20 years of business leadership and experience working across R&D and complex project management and product integration.

Carole has extensive knowledge of the Maritime sector based on her previous role at Inmarsat, where she was Senior Director of Digital Products and, prior to that, Director of Maritime Product Development, responsible for new software delivery from concept to launch. 

At OneWeb, Carole’s focus is on developing global services for commercial launch that only a global satellite constellation network can uniquely support. Examples of these services include cyber-security, onboard IoT, logistics, hi-speed Broadband at sea, environmental, weather and market data-gathering.  

Carole has an MSc in Engineering and Electrotechnology from the University of Toulon, an MSC in Aeronautics and Telecommunications from the Ecole Nationale de L’Aviation Civile, and a doctoral program degree from the University Paul Sabatier.

Gunes Aysun

Galeo Yachting

GALEO Yachting, Med-Sun Turizm Yatcilik ve Tic. Ltd. Sti., Mugla, Turkey

www.galeoyachting.com
Founder & Managing Owner
Developed & managed a business offering charter, brokerage, management & agency services in East Med. Central agency portfolio include around 20 yachts, power & sail. Specialised in vessels between 80–200 ft. First Turkish company accepted to CYBA & MYBA. One of the founders of & current President of TYBA (TYBA Yachting & Brokers Association).

E d u c a t i o n:
University of Manchester, School of Management, Manchester, UK
MSc. in Management

Bosphorus University, School of Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey
BSc. In Mechanical Engineering
Deutsche Schule Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
High School Graduate

Additional Information:
Member of:
Worldwide Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA)
Charter Yacht Broker’s Association (CYBA)
TYBA Yachting & Brokers Association (TYBA), President
American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA)
Fethiye & Bodrum Chamber of Maritime Commerce
Fethiye Skål Club
Göcek Yacht Club
Holder of FAA & Turkish Private Pilot’s Licence & CYA Canadian Captain’s

Licence & Turkish Amateur Yachtsman License
Born 1966 in Istanbul, married with two sons, Turkish national, GSM 0533 6131146

Umberto Vallino

Marketing & Business Development Manager, Aeroports de la Cote d`Azur

Customers Relations & Business Development Manager at Groupe Aeroports de la Cote d’Azur (airports Nice, Cannes Mandelieu and St.Tropez)

Umberto knows all the ins and outs of international business aviation development and business airport development and it all started in his early career as a flight dispatcher and operation manager.
Umberto was a lecturer in the topics ‘Aviation Planning and Management’ and ‘Airport Design’ at the SKEMA Business School at its Sophia Antipolis campus in France. SKEMA is a global research and higher education institution that trains talents who are committed to transforming the world through a sustainable approach.

Mr. Vallino is a Member of the Sapphire Pegasus Award Advisory Board for Caribbean. He is a graduate of the Universita degli Studi di Torino (University of Turin). He is fluent in Italian (mother tongue) French, English, (Portuguese, and Spanish)

David Best

SVP Regional Operations and GM, Americas, Jet Aviation

David Best was appointed SVP regional operations and general manager for the Americas in 2019, where he is responsible for driving the successful growth of the U.S. region by focusing on customer engagement and advancing our U.S. operations.
Since joining Jet Aviation in 2017, Best has also managed a number of successful business development projects, most notably the acquisition and integration of Hawker Pacific and the Scottsdale Jet Center in the U.S. He assumed the role of SVP strategic global growth in 2018 and made significant progress in aligning the sales organization and improving customer data management.

In addition to his role at Jet Aviation Best serves on the Board of National Air Transportation Association and Leadership Council of the National Business Aviation Association, has also served as Vice Chairman Asian Business Aviation Association and on the Governing Board of the International Business Aviation Council. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry Best has worked and lived in Europe, Asia and the USA throughout his business career.

He is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde, where he earned his MBA, and is a member of the
Institute of Directors.

Eric Weisskopf

Hyperion Aviation /Flying Group

Christelle Chamot

VP Sales Aircraft Management, EJM Executive Jet Management Europe (a Netjets Business)

Tom Chatfield

CEO, Camber Aviation Management

Thomas Chatfield is a leader in aircraft completions and refurbishment management, and a corporate jet visionary with 35 years of experience in the aviation industry. He founded Camber Aviation Management in 2014, managing corporate aircraft completion and refurbishment projects ranging from Bombardier and Dassault business jets to Airbus and Boeing narrow-and widebody aircraft.

The Camber Team collectively has more than 135 years of aviation experience, with each member having worked with corporate aircraft for a minimum of 15 years.   

He has held Part 145 and CAMO Postholder positions;  managed operations, maintenance and engineering departments; managed complex completions; performed aircraft acceptances and lease returns; and recovered aircraft from challenging situations.

Tom is a trained avionics technician holding Transport Canada and EASA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licences, with an MSc in Airline Transport Management from Cranfield University.

He and each member of the Camber Team are aviation professionals who are passionate about corporate jets.

Juris Zacs

Insurance Broker & Branch Manager, Marine Insurance Services

Being a branch manager and director of aviation and marine insurance in Spain, he is representing specialized insurance brokerage Marine Insurance Services SIA Sucursal en España (Branch in Spain) which is a part of the Marine Services Group™ (MSG), a unique group of companies covering more than 25 products for the maritime, aviation and transport industry in 4 general business lines: Insurance, Legal, Shipsale and Survey.

Juris has almost 20 years of insurance brokering experience and more than a decade working closely with Marine Insurance Services to develop general and business aviation solutions for the aviation industry.

By closely working with business aviation market, Juris has been a key person for many business jet owners and operators helping successfully to place adapted insurance programs with well know and reputed insurance companies across the globe.

Katie Bancroft

Associate, Jaffa & Co

Katie Bancroft is an English business aviation lawyer working from London and Farnborough Airport.  She handles all aspects of the multi-jurisdictional sale, purchase, finance, new build and registration of fixed-wing and rotor aircraft. She also assists clients in implementing ownership structures and dealing with VAT issues arising in respect of these assets, alongside our preferred tax partners.

Katie’s clients value her practical and commercial approach to deals. They also note her adaptability and skill at guiding clients through transactions, whether they are industry experts or first time buyers.

Dave Falberg

VP international of Satcom Direct

David Falberg leads SD’s international teams, from Europe, Middle East and Africa to APAC. His remit includes achieving and exceeding growth targets, managing business development and establishing partnerships to maximize business value for customers worldwide. He uses his impeccable commercial awareness and experience to develop, establish and strengthen relationships with customers, partners and colleagues. His ability to analyze the market combined with his forward-thinking approach continues to successfully drive the company’s international growth. 

David joined Satcom Direct in 2016 following a career spanning 15 years in the Telecom and IT sectors, where he provided sophisticated terrestrial connectivity solutions to a vast array of global businesses. This knowledge positions him as one of the most trusted and respected executives in the business, government, and military aviation sector.

Yuri Dzun, Sales and Marketing (Europe)

ArcosJet

Rory Jackson

Head of Superyachts, Vessels Value

Having spent eight years covering the superyacht industry as both a journalist and consultant, Rory is passionate about hastening the next iteration of the superyacht market in respect to it becoming more data focussed, transparent and professional.

Captain Nigel Marrison

Founder and Director Blue ESG

Warja Borges

Interior Aircraft Designer, Unique Aircraft

Warja Borges – specialist for YOUR UNIQUE high-end flying experience

Warja Borges was born in Munich and raised by an artist mom opening her eyes for culture and art by travelling with here from early age. Since a very early age, she was always creative in many different ways which logically lead to the decision to study design.

After 4 years engineering study of interior architecture and design and some years of practice creating interiors for residences and offices, she got the chance to work with Reiner Heim Aircraft Interior Design, based in Munich.

For ten years she was with his team designing bespoke interiors for various customers and aircraft types in cooperation with well-known completion center mainly Lufthansa Technik.

After fruitful and experiencing years with Reiner Heim she started her own business and became an independent designer. Since 2010 she is working with clients and aviation facilities worldwide.

Pioneering excellence in design to meet the customer´s vision

Warja Borges´ inventiveness skills combined with her knowledge of engineering constrains in the aircraft allows her to extend the limits.

With more than 20 years of experience the creative mind behind UNIQUE AIRCRAFT feels at home in the aircraft, knowing every detail – and thinking beyond the customary methods of interior design without compromising on the aesthetic, functionality, quality or project schedule.

Passionate about the combination of design and technical solutions as well as colors and materials, she is building the bridge between the customer´s visions and the feasibility in aviation.

Working closely with the all parties guarantees that she will achieve the best solution.

Warja´s passion is to design interiors that make the passengers to forget the inconvenience of travel.

 Creating an atmosphere, not just a space

At Unique Aircraft we do not create simply a design, we create an atmosphere. Wellbeing on board is as important to us as the design itself and is embedded into the heart of what we do – from the materials selected, to the colour palette and elegant use of lighting, we work tirelessly to ensure the onboard experience caters to all the senses. Our clients say that they can truly feel the Uniqueness.

 UNIQUE offers tailored, custom solutions, which respect maintenance and operational needs, appreciating that an aircraft’s main purpose is to be a comfortable and efficient transportation tool.

We therefore channel our efforts to ensuring that the designs are right first time and that our speed matches yours in terms of decision making and response.

Our approach is personal – we draw on our knowledge – we act decisively.

In her portfolio are over 15 narrow body and 5 widebody completion and various design concepts, BBJ 1-3 and MAX generation A319-321 and neo generation, B777-200, 300er and B777X, B747-300, -400, -800, A330, A340, A350, A380

Her peak of success was designing the Boeing Demonstrator, (design Award winner 2018)

And winning the Designer of the Year Award 2018 by Design et Al.

Eugen Hartl

EH Aviation Advisors

Ken Hickling

Non-Executive Director, Riela Yachts

After graduating from Southampton Institute (now Solent Uni) in Boat building and Boatyard Management, Ken worked for four years with Isle of Wight composites specialist SP System (now Gurit).  He switched to International Paint, initially as a Product Manager and then moved to sister company Interlux in the States becoming VP Marketing.  He returned to Europe a few years later in a commercial role, eventually becoming Global Manager for the Awlgrip business, now also within the AkzoNobel yacht portfolio.  After working in paint for a total of 21 years, Ken became an independent business advisor including working as a Non-Executive Director for Viking Maritime Group and also Riela Yachts.

During that time he has served as Treasurer, VP and President of ISS, BSi Representative on the ISO working group for Large Yachts, committee member and Vice Chair of Superyacht UK and is an honorary Fellow of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors.  He is also a trustee of the Superyacht Charities Foundation.

Ken is a keen sailor and actually enjoys golf from time to time.

James Jaffa

Partner, Jaffa & Co

James founded the firm and is recognised internationally for his knowledge and expertise. He has been shortlisted for the Citywealth Lawyer of the Year Award and recognised as a leading advisor within the London market for ultra-high net worth sector. He has also been ranked in Chambers Guide and the Legal 500, both of which recognise the UK’s leading legal advisors. Clients praise James’ fast response times and ability to simplify complex matters. One leading, international brokerage describes James as “without doubt, one of the finest specialists in the industry and a pleasure to deal with.” In his personal capacity, James is an avid sailor and competes nationally and internationally. He enjoys spending time in the South of France with his family, onboard their own boat.

Marco Hurrle

Head of Power Generation and Sustainability, Melita Power Diesel

Rory Jackson

Head of Superyachts, Vessels Value

Having spent eight years covering the superyacht industry as both a journalist and consultant, Rory is passionate about hastening the next iteration of the superyacht market in respect to it becoming more data focussed, transparent and professional.

Richard Hekker

CEO, OPES JET

OPES JET was founded by Richard Hekker and Pascal Barreau. Both development. Prior to OPES JET, Richard was a commercial pilot who flew private jets in Europe. Most recently he was the group CEO and shareholder of Air Allgäu Group, Germany’s 3rd oldest airline. development.

Prior to OPES JET, Richard was a commercial pilot who flew private jets in Europe. Most recently he was the group CEO and shareholder of Air Allgäu Group, Germany’s 3rd oldest airline. 

Before OPES JET, Richard has held many senior positions, including: 

• Chief Executive Officer, Excellent Air GmbH in Germany
• Business Development Director, MoonJet Flight Support, in Dubai
• Regional Director Europe, UAS International Trip Support, in Dubai
• Postholder & Director of Operations, Imperial Jet GmbH in Germany

Richard speaks 5 languages, has been married for nearly 20 years and is father to two teenage boys. 

Elliot Bishop

Head of Luxury Asset Group, Shoosmiths

Elliot is head of the Luxury Asset Group at national law firm Shoosmiths and joint head of the Marine Team. Recognised in Chambers – “… highlighted for his astute skills … Clients describe him as “professional, with the ability to convey the complexities of the law to the layman when needed … “. The Legal 500 confirms him as a “standout lawyer” with an impressive following. “He is commercial, easy to work with, and very clever.” He has acted in multi-jurisdictional litigation on behalf of marine underwriters in respect of claims and policy coverage issues and international enforcement of loan security against pleasure boats and superyachts. Spears 500 describes him as a “Top Recommended” and the team has also been recognised in Chambers High Net Worth guide and the Legal 500.

A highly motivated individual, technically adept, with extensive commercial and organisational experience, who sees the “big picture” with ease. Analytical and pragmatic, a thoughtful and precise communicator, who is mindful of the needs of others and respects their contributions. An instinctive leader, but also a team player who facilitates innovative and efficient solutions to often complex issues. A former parliamentary candidate and a Freeman of the City of London.

Mike Wimbridge

Managing Director, PANTAENIUS UK Limited

Mike began his insurance career in 1987 initially working for the Royal Insurance Group before entering the marine world by joining Radcliffe and Company in 1989. This was his first step on what has become a 33 year career in the yacht insurance market. During that time Mike has been both an insurance broker and an underwriter. Mike has worked for much of his career in Lloyd’s of London and, including spells with Marsh, AIG, BRIT and Markel, he has been involved in all aspects of superyacht underwriting and broking and is extremely well known within the industry. In 2019 Mike joined Pantaenius, one of the leading specialists in Yacht Insurance, and works as Managing Director – UK for them.

Richard Selby MIReg

Commercial Director & Head of Training, Maritime Aviation

Richard brings a wealth of experience in maritime and aviation safety, and is currently engaged with insurers and regulatory bodies in focussing on improving safe & efficient operations onboard aviation capable superyachts. He encourages industry stakeholders to explore new and innovative technology whilst urging them to understand the potential for human and financial loss during unforeseen adverse events, and what can be done to minimise the impact. Richard also encourages a review of outdated standards & regulations to mitigate risk.

Dr Peter Mansi

Partner, Fire Investigations UK

With over 30 years operational firefighting experience with the London Fire Brigade, I am a Forensic Fire Investigator, and previously a Group Manager for the London Fire Brigade’s Fire and Arson Investigation Team; I was also the Borough Commander for the City of London. I have either led, managed and/or reviewed some of the most complex fire investigations in the UK, Ireland and overseas since 2004.

I have conducted many cold case reviews, including a recent super yacht potentially involving lithium ion batteries.

I have given television and radio interviews around the world in relation to major fire losses.

A Certified Fire Investigator, Evidence Collection Technician and Life Member with the International Association of Arson Investigators; a Member of the Chartered Society for Forensic Sciences, a Fellow and Engineering Technician of the Institution of Fire Engineers, a Fellow and Life Member of the UK Association of Fire Investigators and a Life Member of CAPITULO 82 CHILE – IAAI’s 82^nd Chapter. I obtained my PhD in fire and arson investigation methodology in December 2012, challenged by Professor Drysdale during my viva voce in April 2012.

As part of my investigation activities, I have undertaken numerous scene and laboratory examinations of electrical installations (including photovoltaic systems) and appliances (including those powered by Lithium batteries) involved in fires. I am familiar with fault mechanism analysis and modes of ignition of low voltage electrical fires.

I have investigated many leisure vessel fires including those that have occurred within UK and overseas inland waterways, within marinas, at sea or on the hard.

I have also investigated an onboard inflight aircraft fire following the fatal crash that occurred as a result, working directly with the Air Accident Investigation Unit (Ireland).

I am a Partner in Fire Investigations (UK) LLP. 

I am Immediate Past President of the Central European Chapter of the IAAI, Chair of the IAAI Past Presidents Council, Co-Chair of the IAAI Health and Safety Committee and Committee Member of the IAAI Fire Investigations Standards Committee.

I am a Member of the NFPA 921 Technical Committee for fire and explosion investigations.

Pete Watson

Lead Fire Trainer, DG Maritime

Peter is the Lead Firefighting Training Associate with Da Gama Maritime (DGM). He brings a wealth of experience in marine firefighting, training and development and command and control of emergency incidents.

His first experience of firefighting was when he was serving in the Royal Navy. On leaving the Royal Navy he joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS).

During his career with HFRS he carried out role as a fire service trainer specialising in maritime firefighting.

As Peter’s career developed, he was promoted to the role of Station Manager for training and development. He then took the position of Station Manager for an operational fire station, moving on to Group Manager with the responsibility for six fire stations.

He was a member of the Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) responding to fires on vessels at sea and acting as liaison officer with the Maritime Coastguard Agency. He attended a number of maritime fire’s the most interesting being a cargo vessel with a fire in the hold full of banana’s.

When he left the fire service, he spent two years managing Warsash Maritime Fire School where he developed the policy and procedures for command and control of fire incidents for Costa cruise lines.

He joined DGM in 2014. His first major role for the company was carrying out fire risk assessments on P&O and Cunard vessels in the compartments deemed to be a high fire risk, this work then lead to the development of firefighting training and assessment criteria for P&O and Cunard emergency response teams. Peter has a Master’s in Business Administration.

Alison Vassallo

Partner, Fenech & Fenech Advocates

Alison Vassallo is a Partner of Fenech and Fenech Advocates and heads the Yachting Department. She also works within the Marine Litigation Department.

She qualified in 2004 with a Doctorate of Laws from the University of Malta and obtained her Masters Degree in International Maritime Law from the International Maritime Law Institute in 2005.

She joined Fenech and Fenech Advocates in 2006. For the past 16 years she has advised and co-ordinated projects for owners and financiers relating to the acquisition and sale of private and commercial yachts with regard to registration, financing, chartering, leasing and fiscal requirements and solutions.

Furthermore her areas of practice within the firm embrace all aspects of maritime law including EU shipping law, recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements and arbitral awards, ship
arrest and other precautionary measures for obtainment of security and co ordination of tender procedures involving a maritime element.

Alison is a Council and Executive Board Member within the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Chairperson of the Yachting Trade Section within the Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Chamber of Advocates, Committee Member of the Malta Maritime Law Association (MMLA) and a Board Member of the yachting sub committee formed within the MMLA.

Janet Xanthopoulos

Director, Head of Yacht and Jet Department, Rosemont International/Rosemont Yacht Services

Janet has an international background and graduated at University of Aix-Marseille III.  She has Masters in International/European and Maritime Law.

Since 2001 Janet has gained significant working experience in the yachting sector in Europe and recently in Asia and headed up the yacht departments of two other Luxembourg and Monaco based companies. Her extensive legal, fiscal and commercial experience is further strengthened with a practical background in the yacht sector ensuring the delivery of a dedicated range of services to the most exacting standards.

As head of the Marine & Aviation Division, Janet leads a team of professional and highly experienced people who can assist owners and brokers during all the ownership process starting from the purchase or construction up to the sale by considering also their structuring, legal, tax, financing, registration, insurance, crewing and day to day administration needs.

Alex Chumillas

Tax Marine & Aviation Spain SL

Carla Bellieni

Piana Illuzzi Queierolo Trabattoni

Carla Bellieni has been a certified public accountant based in Genoa since 1990.

In her career Carla has dealt with tax matters in the shipping and yachting area for worldwide clients.

Born in Genoa (Italy) Carla started working after her studies when she joined the tax firm where she became a partner in 1997.

Her professional activity with focus on the maritime area includes consultancy in fiscal, customs and corporate issues, relations with the tax and customs institutions, tax litigation.

Carla is a speaker on Blue Economy tax matters at some of the most important European specialized events; she is also lecturer in specialized teaching courses and author of several articles regarding tax matters in the shipping and yachting industry. She is Member of the MEULC (*), IYAC (**) Certified Arbitrator, Member of Committees and Lecturer for the Roll of Certified Public Accountants and Lecturer for the training of Directors and Managers for Trade Associations.

Jean-Philippe Maslin

Associé / Partner, Richemont Del Viso Avocats

Maja Ban

Director, MYS Yachting

Maja graduated in 2000 with a BA in Economics from the University of Zagreb in Croatia.  She is also a licensed Maritime Agent and holds a Certificate for Superyacht Management from the Maritime Training Academy in the United Kingdom.

Maja began her yachting career in 2005 as a stewardess on various mega yachts.  Working on the private, busy charter and new build yachts, she learned firsthand the operational, technical and administrative aspects of running a super yacht.

After gaining this valuable experience while cruising the world, crossing the Suez and Panama channels and the Atlantic ocean, chartering in the Caribbean and West Med, and spending time in some of the best shipyards in Holland, Germany and the USA, Maja left yachts as a chief stewardess in 2008 to open MYS Yachting.

She started the company as a boutique yachting company to service luxury mega yachts in Croatia and Montenegro.

After a decade of growth and building relationships in the industry and in the region, MYS Yachting is now a diverse team of individuals with backgrounds in yachting, tourism, finance, technology.

Initially a maritime/yacht agency for mega yachts in Croatia and Montenegro, MYS Yachting has added VAT and fiscal representation and charter and management services.

Alexandre Bayeux

Consultant, Expert in digital security and organization

Vincent Huens de Brouwer

Yacht Insurance Broker, Covership

Having specialised in maritime law with a French and a UK master degree, Vincent began in 2000 as legal correspondent of the main P&I Clubs of the International Group.

In 2008, he embraced the career of superyacht insurance broker with leading Monaco-based insurance broker agencies, including top management position in Florida.

Vincent set up COVERSHIP, his own yacht insurance broker firm in 2018, that has now became a network of independent superyacht insurance agencies on both sides of the Atlantic.

He is also member of the European Development Committee of the International Yacht Broker Association and actively involved with The International Seakeepers Society in the South of France.

Happy husband and father, Vincent likes spending time cooking and golfing.

Kurt Schrauwen

Cyber Security Director, Riela Group

Kurt Schrauwen is a Director at Riela Cyber, the Cyber Security Operations Centre specialising in
proactive and bespoke cyber solutions for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Using his range of technical management and leadership experience built growing an industry leader
in the tech space, Kurt’s diverse role at Riela Cyber makes him responsible for leading Riela’s
corporate strategy and client relations. With this, Kurt ensures that all bespoke cyber security
solutions are implemented with ease and efficiency for the client, whilst always looking for ways to
integrate solution improvements wherever possible.

Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn here.

Andrew Douglas

Managing Director, AvioNexus

Pandora Mather-Lees

Art on Superyachts

An Art Historian, founder of ArtOnSuperyachts.com and Director of Pandora Art Services, Pandora’s career spans 25 years at Board level in the cultural sector focusing on business strategy, marketing and education.

As superyacht art consultant and educator teaching The Practical Care of On-Board Art Collections, Pandora trains the maritime industry, Captains and Crew in understanding the legal, environmental and handling risks with art in international waters, along with art appreciation and reviews for insurance and other purposes.

As Managing Director of Bridgeman Images, Bridgeman Education and as VP of Global Sales at Artnet, Pandora worked extensively with museums, galleries and auction houses globally, bringing the world’s great art collections to the commercial market and institutions.  Pandora has also worked in art logistics and art forensics.

She is a founder member of the Art Due Diligence Group which safely guides purchasers of high value artworks through pre and post-sale due diligence. Pandora is a Liveryman in the Company of Arts Scholars and fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Michael Burle

Head of Marine & Fine Art, Liberty Global Group, UK

An experienced underwriter in Marine insurance for over 30 years. At Liberty Specialty Markets, we insure Fine Art, Jewellery and Valuables where we pride ourselves on providing our policyholders with bespoke coverage coupled with the highest level of service.

Based in London Michael is responsible for managing the global Fine Arts and Specie portfolio that enjoys locations throughout the world.

Tilman Kriesel

TKA Art Advisors, YAM Yacht Art Management

Due to his family background (Sprengel Museum Hannover), Tilman Kriesel became passionately involved in countless engagements in the art world at an early age. As a trained architect and project developer, he was increasingly sought out for his attitude in the art world. Today he manages art-properties and artcollections and shares his passion with the familiar.

Tilman Kriesel Art Advisors GmbH (TKA) is an independent advisor within the international art world. Due to Tilman’s experience and exclusive network, TKA is able to fulfil even outstanding individual expectations. His business operations include also Art Finance, Art Software, Art Estates, Art Buildings and Yacht Art Management.

Yacht Art Management (YAM) is the only full-service partner in order to ensure the highest level of arthandling quality on board. Founded in 2016, by Tilman Kriesel (architect and art expert) and Astor Milan Salcedo (artist and interior expert) in Hamburg/ Germany, YAM and its qualified partners are able to master all challenges related to art on superyachts, from ‘nail to nail’.

His team draws on several years of professional expertise in the mega yacht sector.

Daniel Taylor

Taylor Hampton Solicitors

Daniel is one of the most experienced defamation lawyers in the UK and specialises in all aspects of media law including libel, privacy, internet law and confidentiality; subjects of considerable importance to the superyacht industry.

A number of the cases he has been involved in have led to changes in the law governing the media. He is also a highly experienced commercial litigator having acted for both Claimants and Defendants in numerous high-profile actions and landmark cases resulting in the firm winning many awards. Daniel is a leading practitioner in the realm of privacy and was a pioneer in the phone hacking litigation. He was involved in the firm’s successful actions against News International which were pivotal to the closure of the News of the World.

Daniel has represented household names in their actions against the media, including actors, TV presenters and sportsmen. 

Taylor Hampton draws on its experience of reputation management in conducting such cases for the industry where superyacht owners and other parties wish their names to be kept out of the press. Daniel has previously presented at superyacht events on the risks to owners of scandals surfacing in the media and how to tackle them.

Quentin Bargate

Founder & CEO, Bargate Murray

Quentin Bargate qualified as a solicitor in 1981 and has since spent his entire career in top City of London law firms, including running his own highly regarded firm, Bargate Murray, where he is head of the firm’s Superyacht and Dispute Resolution Groups as well as being the firm’s CEO. Client sources comment on the “huge amount of litigation experience” that Quentin has, adding that he is “very well connected” and “knows his stuff.” A satisfied client appreciates that “he does the work from the beginning to the end, providing a full and complete service,” and the source adds: “His advice is always helpful and he is very practical.” (Source: Chambers HNW Guide).

Quentin says: “In 2004, I fulfilled a lifetime ambition when I set up my own law firm, Quentin Bargate & Co. (renamed Bargate Murray in 2006). We incorporated in 2012. I had been a partner in Simmons & Simmons and Head of its International Trade and Shipping Group and a member of the Litigation Department and Arbitration Groups where I developed specialist skills in superyacht contracts and disputes as well as commercial shipping and trade.  Bargate Murray was a new challenge – to take all that knowledge I had gained over 14 years from a big City of London international practice, and offer it to clients who wanted a nimbler, more responsive service from a specialist firm.”

Bargate Murray is highly ranked in the Chambers HNW Guide for ‘Yachts & Superyachts’, and the Guide recognises Quentin as a Leading Individual for his expertise in this practice.

Quentin is an advocate for alternative dispute resolution (ADR), but he also deals with cases in court when required. He occasionally sits as an arbitrator.

Quentin is a member of the Baltic Exchange, the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands yacht committee. He holds a Master’s degree in Marine law, is a member of the LMAA, a Member of the Nautical Institute, a member of the IOD, a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, and a Freeman of the City of London.

His other interests include photography (Elsevier has published a technical book on stock photography “Microstock Photography” written by Quentin under his pen name Douglas Freer), music and his family.

Pierre Balzan

Managing Director, Melita Marine Group

Pierre, as Owner and Managing Director has over 35 years’ experience in the Yachting Industry with MELITA MARINE GROUP having various direct important investment interests in Malta, Greece, Cyprus and Spain in the fields of owning and operating Refit Yards, Engineering Workshops, Marinas, Chandlery, Management, Charter and Brokerage.

Representing also various high quality Brands such as Rolls Royce / MTU engines and sustainability products exclusively in Malta, Greece & Cyprus with over 8,000 sqm of workshops.

Present yards yacht lifting capability of 5,000 tons.

Marinas totalling 300 berths.

Direct employed workforce of over 300 plus approved subcontractor back up in all competencies required in the yachting Industry.

Pierre is currently focusing on the Melita Marine Group expansion in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia as well as Dubai in line with their 2030 strategy.

Roberto Perocchio

President, Assomarinas/Italian Marinas Association

Roberto Perocchio was born in Aschaffenburg (Germany) in 1961.

Graduated in law, he owns and manages two real estate companies and the yacht harbour “Marina del Cavallino” in the province of Venice.

He is currently president of Assomarinas, the Italian national marina association with 84 members.

Since 1990 he’s also member of the board of Confindustria Nautica, the Italian National Marine manufacturers association which organises the Genova Boat show.

Since 1991 he’s member of IMG, the Icomia Marinas Group, the department of Icomia (International Council of Marine Industries Associations, based in London) dedicated to the international marina branch, which organizes the World Marina Conference every two years in different parts of the world. He’s been appointed chairman of IMG from 2009 to 2017.

Since 2016 he’s also board member of Federturismo-Confindustria, the National Italian Federation of tourism enterprises based in Rome.

From 2005 to 2016 he’s also been managing director of Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.a., the company which manages the cruise port of Venice, one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea.  

Joe Degabriele

Senior Business Development Manager, MB92 La Ciotat

Michael Mifsud

CEO, Yachting Malta

Michael is a keen sailor who has managed to combine his passion for sailing with his career as CEO of Yachting Malta Ltd. Yachting Malta is a public private partnership between the Government of Malta and the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Yachting Malta’s primary role is to identify and attract high profile yachting events to the Maltese Islands, including sailing regattas, power racing and boat shows. Drawn to sailing in his late teens, he has contributed toward the recognition of Sailing as a leading sport in Malta through his role as President of the Malta Sailing Federation since 2018. The Malta Sailing Federation is the member national authority for sailing in Malta to World Sailing and is affiliated with SportMalta, Eurosaf, The Malta Olympic Committee  and The Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations. 

His past experiences both as Director of Malta’s largest yacht marina, Board Secretary of Malta Marittima, as well as that of Secretary of the Malta Cruising Club have put him in touch with the infrastructure of yacht marinas and refit facilities both locally and abroad. 

Matthew Attard

Partner, Ganado Advocates

Matthew Attard is a Partner within the Ganado Advocates’ shipping and yachting practice. He main areas of competence include advising on sales/acquisitions and registrations of Commercial and Pleasure Yachts as well as Merchant Vessels under the Malta Flag. Matthew also regularly assists major financial institutions and owners in the financing of vessels, incorporation of Maltese Shipping organisations and all related corporate advice.  Matthew is also the President of the Malta Maritime Law Association

Maja Ban

MYS Yachting

Maja graduated in 2000 with a BA in Economics from the University of Zagreb in Croatia.  She is also a licensed Maritime Agent and holds a Certificate for Superyacht Management from the Maritime Training Academy in the United Kingdom.

Maja began her yachting career in 2005 as a stewardess on various mega yachts.  Working on the private, busy charter and new build yachts, she learned firsthand the operational, technical and administrative aspects of running a super yacht.

After gaining this valuable experience while cruising the world, crossing the Suez and Panama channels and the Atlantic ocean, chartering in the Caribbean and West Med, and spending time in some of the best shipyards in Holland, Germany and the USA, Maja left yachts as a chief stewardess in 2008 to open MYS Yachting.

She started the company as a boutique yachting company to service luxury mega yachts in Croatia and Montenegro.

After a decade of growth and building relationships in the industry and in the region, MYS Yachting is now a diverse team of individuals with backgrounds in yachting, tourism, finance, technology.

Initially a maritime/yacht agency for mega yachts in Croatia and Montenegro, MYS Yachting has added VAT and fiscal representation and charter and management services.

Cpt. Matteo Malffati

MY Sangha

Born and raised in northern Italy, Matteo is a former army marine who fell in love with the sea and pursued a career as a yacht captain. He has been exploring remote destinations on board Sailing Yachts, and crossed the Oceans many times. 

As an outdoors lover and CrossFit fanatic he loves to keep his crew active and healthy, always ready to deliver the best experience to their guests.

Based out of Spain, he is now dedicated to running Motor Yachts in the Mediterranean, with a very special attachment to Croatia, its islands and its blue waters.

Eli Gajinov

Hospitality Manager, SeaNet

After graduating from the University in Zagreb, Croatia, Eli joined the world of tourism – her passion since childhood. She builds her career through different branches of tourism like tourist publications and sailing tourism. When the opportunity arise she jumped on yachts and upgrade her skills and knowledge in the luxurious hospitality sector.

She worked for 5 years on different yachts ranging from 36 to 140 meters, bringing her to where she is today. After 2 years of working as a Chief Stewardess on board one of the yacht in the
SeaNet Europe fleet, she stepped off the yachts into the land-based position.

Eli is now running the Hospitality Manager position for SeaNet Europe with the responsibility of the fleet’s interior department, handling communication and planning with all the Owners and
Charter guests, setting up standards for the fleet, and developing future companies’ growth.

Stipe Baturina

ASAP Provisioning Company

My name is Stipe Baturina.

I am an entrepreneur and co-owner of several companies in the tourism and hospitality sector.

I am the CEO of ASAP Adriatic, a yacht supply company operating in Croatia.

I like to explore different cultures especially in the food and beverage segment.

My goal is to introduce as many clients as possible to the Croatian gastro scene and bring them closer to the best that Croatia as a destination has to offer.

Ina Rodin

Convene Hospitality

Ina has more than 20 years in the hospitality and tourism industry. From October 2014 to November 2021, she has directed the Croatian National Tourism Office in North America, based in New York. She was tasked with building awareness of Croatia in the North American market while encouraging U.S. tourists to visit Croatia and explore and experience its diverse landscape and rich culture.

Prior to joining CNTB, Ms. Rodin directed a consulting company specializing in asset management, sales and marketing, and was a visiting Professor lecturing on Tourism & Hospitality Management at Zagreb School of Economics and Management.  In 2008, Ina was employed by Horwath HTL., a U.S.-based company with franchise offices in Zagreb, Croatia, Belgrade, Serbia, and Rome, Italy, where she provided HTL advisory services in the SEE and Italy. She began her career with Valamar Hotels and Resorts, Croatia’s leading hotel management company, and was involved in product development and hotel operations for 40 properties. 

Ina earned her MSc Degree in Economics and Tourism at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy and graduated from Zagreb Faculty of Economics with a Major in tourism.  In 2013, she published a book “Principles of Tourism” a textbook used in Croatian high schools, with Zoran Kasum and Lidija Birin, and was a co-author of TURIZAM Studije slučaja Hrvatske i regije (Tourism – An Analysis of Croatian Best-Case Studies) with M. Hanžek, P. Haramija, H.Jerković, A. Kuštrak Korper, O. Jurković Majić, H. Maljak M. Martinović, K.Miličević, V. Pirić, I. Rodin, K. Šorić, publisher: MATE Ltd, Zagreb, 2016.

She was awarded Virtuoso’s Ambassador of the Year in 2017.

Burak Baykan

Dogus Group

Burak Baykan is the Regional Director of Dogus Group for SEE and he is responsible for the activities of the group in the region.

He was born in Istanbul, Turkey on 8 August 1975. He was graduated from Boğaziçi University, Faculty of Business Administration, Department of Politics and International Relations in 1998, and from Touro University in Moscow in 2001, holding  Master degree of Business Administration (specialized on Marketing).

From 1999 until 2009 he worked in Russia, on several executive positions, he had done consultancy, was Commercial Director at JVT Dynamic Logistics and Area Manager in Koleksiyon Mobilya.

In December 2007 he started his career in Dogus Holding (Moscow, Russia) as Advisor to CEO. In January 2010 he became the part of Investment Department of the group, and started to work as Regional director for Croatia and Montenegro, with responsibility for executing the strategic direction and ongoing operations in both Croatia and Montenegro.

He was leading the nautical tourism and yachting related businesses of the group. From  2018 until the end of 2020 he was the CEO of D – Marin, global marina network. He also acted as Board Member for MB92 Barcelona between 2015 and 2019.

Regarding activities and memberships Burak Baykan was active as President for Turkey – Croatia Business Council (DEIK), Executive board member for Turkey – Montenegro Business Council (DEIK). He is still the member of Managing Board of Foreing Investors Council and active in Croatia Turkey Friendship Association.

Teo Petricevic

Capax

After finishing of Faculty of maritime studies Teo started his career at sea as an Apprentice Engineer on a passenger vessel.

He has worked in maritime industry since 2002 through various roles acting as a Marine Engineer, Project Manager, Marine Surveyor and Managing Director represented purchasers and sellers in a wide variety of complex acquisition and transactions.

In recent years Teo has been involved in the development of Capax Ltd company and their affiliates; Yacht Consulting Group; consulting and management company and Adria Docks; refit and repair service centre in Croatia and Montenegro taking care about financing, acquisitions, contracts, business agreements.